Navigation programs to support community-dwelling individuals with life-limiting illness: determinants of implementation.

BACKGROUND: As the Canadian population ages and the prevalence of chronic illnesses increases, delivering high-quality care to individuals with advanced life limiting illnesses becomes more challenging. Community-based navigation programs are a promising approach to address these challenges, but little is known about how these programs are successfully implemented to meet the needs of this population. This study sought to identify the key determinants that contribute to the successful implementation of these programs within Canada. METHODS: A qualitative study was undertaken to understand the implementation of eleven innovative, community-based navigation programs that aim to address the needs of individuals with life-limiting illnesses as they approach the end of life. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided the study design. Key informants (n = 23) within these programs took part in semi-structured interviews where they were asked to discuss how these programs are implemented. Data were analyzed using techniques employed in qualitative description. RESULTS: We identified key determinants of successful implementation within each CFIR domain. In the outer setting domain, participants emphasized the importance of filling gaps in care to meet client needs, developing strong relationships with clients and community-based organizations, and navigating relationships with healthcare providers. At the inner setting level, leadership support, staff compatibility, and available resources were identified as important factors. In terms of intervention characteristics, the ability to adapt was cited as a facilitator, whereas costs were identified as a barrier. For the characteristics of individuals, participants described the importance of having staff whose values align with the program, and who have the experience and skills necessary to work with complex clients. Finally, having strong champions and evaluation processes were highlighted as important process-oriented determinants of successful implementation. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the determinants of successful implementation of community-based navigation programs in Canada. Understanding these determinants can guide the future development and integration of navigation programs to successfully meet the needs of those with life-limiting illnesses.

How do navigation programs address the needs of those living in the community with advanced, life-limiting Illness? A realist evaluation of programs in Canada.

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify innovative navigation programs across Canadian jurisdictions that target their services to individuals affected by life-limiting illness and their families, and articulate the principal components of these programs that enable them to address the needs of their clients who are living in the community. METHODS: This realist evaluation used a two-phased approach. First, we conducted a horizon scan of innovative community-based navigation programs across Canadian jurisdictions to identify innovative community-based navigation programs that aim to address the needs of community-dwelling individuals affected by life-limiting illness. Second, we conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants from each of the selected programs. Informants included individuals responsible for managing and delivering the program and decision-makers with responsibility and/or oversight of the program. Analyses proceeded in an iterative manner, consistent with realist evaluation methods. This included iteratively developing and refining Context-Mechanism-Outcome (CMO) configurations, and developing the final program theory. RESULTS: Twenty-seven navigation programs were identified from the horizon scan. Using specific eligibility criteria, 11 programs were selected for subsequent interviews and in-depth examination. Twenty-three participants were interviewed from these programs, which operated in five Canadian provinces. The programs represented a mixture of community (non-profit or volunteer), research-initiated, and health system programs. The final program theory was articulated as: navigation programs can improve client outcomes if they have supported and empowered staff who have the time and flexibility to personalize care to the needs of their clients. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight key principles (contexts and mechanisms) that enable navigation programs to develop client relationships, personalize care to client needs, and improve client outcomes. These principles include staff (or volunteer) knowledge and experience to coordinate health and social services, having a point of contact after hours, and providing staff (and volunteers) time and flexibility to develop relationships and respond to individualized client needs. These findings may be used by healthcare organizations - outside of navigation programs - to work towards more person-centred care.