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Survivorship navigation outcome measures
Author(s) -
PrattChapman Mandi,
Simon Melissa A.,
Patterson Angela K.,
Risendal Betsy C.,
Patierno Steven
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.26261
Subject(s) - survivorship curve , medicine , underinsured , cancer survivorship , quality of life (healthcare) , health care , population , gerontology , cancer , nursing , environmental health , health insurance , economic growth , economics
Survivorship navigation is a relatively new concept in the field of patient navigation but an important one. This article highlights the essential functions of the survivorship navigator and defines core outcomes and measures for navigation in the survivorship period. Barriers to access to care experienced by patients during active cancer treatment can continue into the post‐treatment period, affecting quality follow‐up care for survivors. These barriers to care can be particularly acute for non‐English speakers, immigrants, the uninsured, the underinsured, and other vulnerable populations. The survivorship navigator can help reduce barriers and facilitate access to survivorship care and services through communication and information exchange for patients. Survivorship navigation may improve appropriate health care utilization through education and care coordination, potentially improving health outcomes and quality of life of survivors while reducing cost to the health care system. Survivorship navigators can also educate survivors on how to improve their overall wellness, thereby directly impacting the health of a growing population of cancer survivors. Cancer 2011;117(15 suppl):3573–82. © 2011 American Cancer Society.