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Flexibility, adaptation, and roles of patient navigators in oncology during COVID-19.
Valverde, Patricia A; Kennedy Sheldon, Lisa; Gentry, Sharon; Dwyer, Andrea J; Saavedra Ferrer, Elba L; Wightman, Patrick D.
  • Valverde PA; Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado.
  • Kennedy Sheldon L; Clinical and Scientific Affairs, Oncology Nursing Society, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • Gentry S; Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators, Cranbury, New Jersey.
  • Dwyer AJ; Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado.
  • Saavedra Ferrer EL; Center for Collaborative Research and Community Engagement, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  • Wightman PD; Arizona Health Sciences-Center for Population Health Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
Cancer ; 128 Suppl 13: 2610-2622, 2022 07 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1885387
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care during the first 6 months of the pandemic has been significant. The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group conducted a national survey to highlight the role of patient navigators (PNs).

METHODS:

An anonymous online survey captured how cancer care navigation changed during 2 phases 1) March 13 to May 31, 2020; and 2) June 1 to September 4, 2020. Differences between the 2 time periods for categorical variables were assessed using χ2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were used for ordinal variables.

RESULTS:

Almost one-half of PNs expected changes in duties (49%) during phase 1. By phase 2, PNs showed greater confidence in retaining PN work (P < .001) and reduced changes to duties (P < .01). PNs reported new training on COVID-19 and telehealth during phase 1 (64% and 27%, respectively) and phase 2 (54% and 19%, respectively). Significant decreases in service delays were identified by phase 2 for cancer screening (P < .001), preventive care (P < .001), medical treatment (P < .01), cancer treatment (P < .001), and cancer survivorship services (P < .01). PNs reported that the top patient issues were COVID-19 concerns, medical care disruptions, and finances, and there were decreases in medical care disruptions (P < .01) during phase 2. PNs addressed myths related to mask use, COVID-19 spread, disbelief, risk, clinical changes, transmission prevention, and finances/politics.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PN role demonstrated resiliency and adaptability. Both clinical and nonclinical oncology PNs identified key patient needs and can provide connections with patient populations that have been economically and socially marginalized, which is necessary to build trust throughout the pandemic.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Patient Navigation / Cancer Survivors / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Cancer Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Patient Navigation / Cancer Survivors / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Cancer Year: 2022 Document Type: Article