Increasing access to transplantation through telemedicine and patient navigation.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a promising treatment for hematological diseases, yet access barriers like cost and limited transplant centers persist. Telemedicine-based patient navigation (PN) has emerged as a solution. This study presents a cost-free PN telemedicine clinic (TC) in collaboration with the National Marrow Donor Program. AIM: to assess its feasibility and impac on HCT access determined by the cumulative incidence of transplantation. METHODS: In this single-center cohort study, patients of all ages and diagnoses referred for HCT participated. Two transplant physician-navigators established patient relationships via video calls, collecting medical history, offering HCT education and recommending pretransplant tests. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and intent-to-transplant survival assessment. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were included of whom n = 78 were referred for allogeneic HCT (alloHCT), with a median age of 28 years. The median time from initial contact to the first consult was 5 days. The cumulative incidence of transplantation was 50% at 6 months and 61% at 12 months, with varying outcomes based on HCT type. Notably, 49 patients were not transplanted, primarily due to refractory disease, progression or relapse (57.1%). Autologous HCT candidates and physician referrals were correlated with higher transplant success compared to alloHCT candidates and patients who were not referred by a physician. CONCLUSION: Our pretransplant TC was feasible, facilitating access to HCT. Disease relapse posed a significant barrier. Enhancing timely physician referrals should be a focus for future efforts.

The patient journey of fibromyalgia in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the patient journey of people with fibromyalgia (FM) in Latin American countries in order to identify problems in health care and other areas that may be resolvable. METHODS: Qualitative study with phenomenological and content analysis approach through focus groups and patient journey (Ux; User Experience) methodology. Nine virtual focus groups were conducted with FM patients and healthcare professionals in Argentina, Mexico and Colombia recruited from key informants and social networks. RESULTS: Forty-three people participated (33 were clinicians and 10 were patients). The agents interacting with the patient in their disease journey are found in three spheres: healthcare (multiple medical specialists and other professionals), support and work life (including patient associations) and socioeconomic context. The line of the journey presents two large sections, two loops and a thin dashed line. The two major sections represent the time from first symptoms to medical visit (characterized by self-medication and denial) and the time from diagnosis to follow-up (characterized by high expectations and multiple contacts to make life changes that are not realized). The two loop phases include (1) succession of misdiagnoses and mistreatments and referrals to specialists and (2) new symptoms every so often, visits to specialists, diagnostic doubts, and impatience. Very few patients manage to reach the final phase of autonomy. CONCLUSION: The journey of a person with FM in Latin America is full of obstacles and loops. The desired goal is for all the agents involved to understand that self- management by the patient with FM is an essential part of success, and this can only be achieved with early access to resources and guidance from professionals.

Trajetória para implementação de programa de navegação de pacientes na oncologia: relato de experiência / The path to implementing a patient navigation program in oncology: an experience report

OBJETIVO: Descrever a trajetória para a implementação de um Programa de Navegação para pacientes oncológicos. MÉTODO: Estudo descritivo, tipo relato de experiência realizado em um Centro de Oncologia do Sul do Brasil. RESULTADOS: O processo de implementação da navegação ocorreu em quatro etapas: a primeira iniciou com implementação da navegação para pacientes privados com câncer de cabeça e pescoço; a segunda envolveu o piloto do programa de navegação de pacientes com câncer de mama para entender as principais barreiras enfrentadas pelas pacientes; a terceira etapa, foi elaborar e aprovar a Política do Programa de Navegação Institucional. Na última, o Programa de Navegação da linha de cuidado da mama foi implementado para pacientes com indicação de neoadjuvância. Obteve-se redução de 70% na mediana de tempo de indicação e primeira consulta oncológica, de 28,6% no tempo entre sintoma e diagnóstico, 26,0% no tempo entre diagnóstico e início de tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A implementação de um Programa de Navegação para pacientes com câncer exige dedicação e comprometimento institucional onde se evidencia um melhor cuidado oncológico, tendo o enfermeiro como protagonista da gestão e efetivação do processo.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of implementing a Navigation Program for cancer patients. METHOD: Descriptive study, type of experience report carried out in an Oncology Center in Southern Brazil. RESULTS: The process of implementing navigation took place in four stages: the first began with the implementation of navigation for private patients with head and neck cancer; the second involved piloting the navigation program for breast cancer patients to understand the main barriers faced by patients; the third stage, was to draw up and approve the Institutional Navigation Program Policy. In the last stage, the Breast Care Navigation Program was implemented for patients with neoadjuvant indications. A 70% reduction was achieved in the median time between indication and first oncology consultation, 28.6% between symptom and diagnosis, and 26.0% between diagnosis and start of treatment. CONCLUSION: Implementing a Navigation Program for cancer patients requires dedication and institutional commitment, leading to better cancer care, with nurses playing a leading role in managing and implementing this process.

The impact of patient navigation on glycemic control, adherence to self-care and knowledge about diabetes: an intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Patient navigation helps with better adherence to treatment, as well as better knowledge about diabetes and greater interest in performing, monitoring, and seeking health care. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of patient navigation on glycemic control, disease knowledge, adherence to self-care in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This is an intervention study using a single group pre-test post-test design, carried out in a tertiary public teaching hospital in Southern Brazil. Participants over 18 years of age and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes were included. In total, three teleconsultations and one face-to-face consultation were carried out, with three-month intervals, until completing one year of follow-up. The nurse navigator conducted diabetes education based on the guidelines of the Brazilian Diabetes Society and the Nursing Interventions Classification. The differences between glycated hemoglobin, adherence to self-care, and knowledge about initial and final diabetes were estimated to verify the effect of patient navigation by nurses, according to the tool applied in the first and last consultations. Interaction analyses between variables were also performed. Student's t-test, Generalized Estimating Equations, Wilcoxon test, and McNemar test were used. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 152 participants, of which 85 (55.9%) were women, with a mean age of 45 ± 12 years, and diabetes duration of 23.6 ± 11.1 years. Nurse navigators conducted 812 teleconsultations and 158 face-to-face consultations. After the intervention, glycemic control improved in 37 (24.3%) participants (p < 0.001), and knowledge about diabetes also improved in 37 (24.3%) participants (p < 0.001). Adherence to self-care increased in 82 (53.9%) patients (p < 0.001). The analysis of the interaction between glycemic control and the results from the questionnaire of knowledge about diabetes showed an interaction effect (p = 0.005). However, we observed no interaction effect between glycemic control and the results from the questionnaire on adherence to self-care (p = 0.706). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed improvement in glycemic control, adherence to self-care, and knowledge of diabetes in the study participants. In addition, they suggest that patient navigation performed by nurses is promising and feasible in improving care for patients with type 1 diabetes.

Patient navigation (PN) support to timely access to radiotherapy in the Brazilian public health system.

PURPOSE: Patient navigation (PN) is a community-based service delivery intervention designed to promote access to timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases by eliminating barriers to integral care. Considering the complex difficulties in accessing treatment and the positive results of PN in high-income countries, our group decided to evaluate this tool to improve radiotherapy (RT) access in the public system in Brazil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This pilot study took place in a public school hospital, with a historical cohort as the control arm. The primary endpoint was the time from histologic diagnosis and RT initiation among cancer patients receiving RT with curative intent in a PN program. The secondary objectives were the following time frames: referral to the first consultation by the RT team; first consultation up to RT beginning; RT beginning to RT end; referral to the end of RT and identifying/describing obstacles to the treatment; and assessing patient satisfaction with PN program. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were included in the retrospective arm and 73 in the navigation arm. Most had the loco-regionally advanced disease from the esophagus, head/neck, and rectum. PN decreased the median time from the biopsy result to the beginning of RT from 108 to 74 days (p < 0.001). PN reduced the time between biopsy results and referral to RT (53 to 40.5 days, p = 0.011), between the referral and the first consultation in the RT (25 to 13 days, p < 0.001), and between the referral to the end of the RT (98 to 78 days, p < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Proper identification of barriers, especially in a low-resource setting, is mandatory to guide PN programs in LMICs. In an oncological context of socioeconomic vulnerability, PN is a financially viable and efficient tool to optimize access to timely RT.

A factorial experiment grounded in the multiphase optimization strategy to promote viral suppression among people who inject drugs on the Texas-Mexico border: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs living with HIV (PWIDLH) suffer the lowest rates of HIV viral suppression due to episodic injection drug use and poor mental health coupled with poor retention in HIV care. Approximately 44% of PWIDLH along the US-Mexico border are retained in care and only 24% are virally suppressed. This underserved region faces a potential explosion of transmission of HIV due to highly prevalent injection drug use. This protocol describes an optimization trial to promote sustained viral suppression among Spanish-speaking Latinx PWIDLH. METHODS: The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) is an engineering-inspired framework for designing and building optimized interventions and guides this intervention. The primary aim is to conduct a 24 factorial experiment in which participants are randomized to one of 16 intervention conditions, with each condition comprising a different combination of four behavioral intervention components. The components are peer support for methadone uptake and persistence; behavioral activation therapy for depression; Life-Steps medication adherence counseling; and patient navigation for HIV care. Participants will complete a baseline survey, undergo intervention, and then return for 3-,6-,9-, and 12-month follow-up assessments. The primary outcome is sustained viral suppression, defined as viral loads of < 40 copies per mL at 6-,9-, and 12-month follow-up assessments. Results will yield effect sizes for each component and each additive and interactive combination of components. The research team and partners will make decisions about what constitutes the optimized multi-component intervention by judging the observed effect sizes, interactions, and statistical significance against real-world implementation constraints. The secondary aims are to test mediators and moderators of the component-to-outcome relationship at the 6-month follow-up assessment. DISCUSSION: We are testing well-studied and available intervention components to support PWIDLH to reduce drug use and improve their mental health and engagement in HIV care. The intervention design will allow for a better understanding of how these components work in combination and can be optimized for the setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This project was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05377463) on May 17th, 2022.

Experience of care nurses: approaches to the principles of navigation of cancer patients / Experiencia de enfermeros de cuidado: aproximaciones a los principios de navegación de pacientes con cáncer / Experiência de enfermeiras assistenciais: aproximações aos princípios da navegação de pacientes oncológicos

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the experiences of nurses assisting cancer patients, according to Harold Freeman´s principles of navigation. Method: A qualitative study conducted in a large public hospital in the State of São Paulo in December 2021. Six nurses were interviewed using a semi-structured script with questions about the care of cancer patients and their families. The data were submitted to content analysis with theoretical framework of Harold Freeman. Results: Five categories emerged from the statements: fluidity in care; integration between teams; bond with patients and families; competencies of care nurses in the navigation of cancer patients; valorization and facilities in team training. Conclusion: According to the categories observed, we can consider that the experiences of care nurses working in an oncology unit revealed the strengthening of navigation principles contributing to the care and minimization of barriers, which can facilitate and/or soften the therapeutic path of the cancer patient.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender las experiencias de enfermeros que asisten a pacientes con cáncer, según los principios de navegación de Harold Freeman. Método: Estudio cualitativo realizado en un gran hospital público del Estado de São Paulo en diciembre de 2021. Seis enfermeros fueron entrevistados utilizando un guión semiestructurado con preguntas sobre el cuidado de pacientes con cáncer y sus familias. Los datos fueron sometidos al análisis de contenido con el referencial teórico de Harold Freeman. Resultados: De los enunciados surgieron cinco categorías: fluidez en el cuidado; integración entre equipos; vínculo con pacientes y familias; competencias de los enfermeros asistenciales en la navegación de pacientes oncológicos; valoración y facilidades en la formación de equipos. Conclusión: De acuerdo con las categorías observadas, podemos considerar que las experiencias de los enfermeros asistenciales que actúan en una unidad de oncología revelaron el fortalecimiento de los principios de navegación contribuyendo al cuidado y minimización de barreras, lo que puede facilitar y/o suavizar el camino terapéutico del cáncer paciente.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender as experiências de enfermeiras assistenciais aos pacientes oncológicos, segundo os princípios da navegação de Harold Freeman. Método: Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado em hospital público de grande porte no interior do Estado de São Paulo no mês de dezembro de 2021. Foram entrevistadas seis enfermeiras por meio de roteiro semiestruturado com questões acerca do atendimento ao paciente oncológico e familiares. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de análise de conteúdo com referencial teórico de Harold Freeman. Resultados: Cinco categorias emergiram dos depoimentos: fluidez na assistência; integração entre as equipes; vínculo com pacientes e familiares; competências das enfermeiras assistenciais na navegação de pacientes oncológicos; valorização e facilidades no treinamento das equipes. Conclusão: De acordo com as categorias observadas, podemos considerar que as experiências de enfermeiras assistenciais que atuam em unidade oncológica revelaram o fortalecimento dos princípios de navegação contribuindo para o atendimento e minimização de barreiras, o que pode facilitar e/ou suavizar o trajeto terapêutico do paciente oncológico.

Private health plan operator: breast care navigation program and care line / Operadora de planes de salud privados: programa de navegación y línea de asistencia para el cuidado de las mamas / Operadora de plano de saúde privado: programa de navegação e linha de cuidado de atenção à mama

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop a navigation program for patients in the breast care line, beneficiaries of a private health plan operator. Method: a convergent care research study, related to the stages of the Guide for the Development and Implementation of Patient Navigation Programs, consisting of the phases: diagnosis; planning; implementation; and evaluation, using instruments specifically designed for each phase. It was conducted from January to September 2022 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Results: during the diagnosis, the patients' demographic profile was identified and the flow they followed through the health services was analyzed. Interviews were carried out with the professionals involved in patient care, and the main barriers that might be faced by patients were surveyed. In planning, the program structure was considered. During implementation, a navigation pilot was carried out with two nurses from different areas; and the nurse navigators' performance profile and a proposal of topics for team training were constructed. An evaluation was carried out using the Plan, Do, Study and Act tool at the end of each stage. A breast care line and navigation program were created for the patients. Conclusion: two products were developed: Planned Care Line, with important prevention actions favoring screening and early diagnosis of the disease; and the Navigation Program for line assistance, in which attention is centered on the patients, with an evaluation of their needs, elimination of barriers that make it difficult for them to navigate the health system and guidance in each stage of the path.

RESUMEN Objetivo: desarrollar un programa de navegación para pacientes de la línea de asistencia para el cuidado de las mamas, en mujeres afiliadas a una operadora de planes de salud privados. Método: investigación convergente y asistencial, relacionada a las etapas propuestas en la Guía para el Desarrollo e Implementación de Programas de Navegación de Pacientes, compuesto por las siguientes fases: diagnóstico, planificación, implementación y evaluación, utilizando instrumentos elaborados específicamente para cada fase. El estudio se realizó entre enero y septiembre de 2022 en Porto Alegre, Brasil. Resultados: en el diagnóstico se identificó el perfil demográfico de las pacientes, al igual que se analizó el camino que recorrieron en los servicios de salud. Se realizaron entrevistas con los profesionales involucrados en atender a las pacientes, y se sondearon los principales obstáculos que podrían enfrentar las mujeres. En la planificación se contempló la estructura del programa. En la implementación se llevó a cabo una prueba piloto de navegación con dos enfermeras de distintas áreas, además de elaborarse el perfil de actuación de los enfermeros navegadores y una propuesta de temas para capacitar al equipo. Se realizó una evaluación con la herramienta Plan, Do, Study and Act al término de cada etapa. Se creó una línea de asistencia para el cuidado de las mamas y un programa de navegación para las pacientes. Conclusión: se desarrollaron dos productos: Línea de Asistencia Planificada, con importantes acciones de prevención que favorecen el screening y diagnóstico temprano de la enfermedad; y el Programa de Navegación para cumplir con la línea de asistencia, en el que la atención se centra en la paciente, evaluando sus necesidades, eliminando obstáculos que le dificultan transitar por el sistema de salud y orientándola en cada etapa del trayecto.

RESUMO Objetivo: Desenvolver um programa de navegação para pacientes da linha de cuidado de atenção à mama, beneficiárias de uma operadora de plano de saúde privado. Método: Pesquisa convergente assistencial, relacionada às etapas do Guia de Desenvolvimento e Implantação de Programas de Navegação de Pacientes, composto pelas fases: diagnóstico, planejamento, implantação e avaliação, utilizando instrumentos elaborados para cada fase. Foi realizada em Porto Alegre, Brasil, de janeiro a setembro de 2022. Resultados: No diagnóstico, identificou-se o perfil demográfico dos pacientes, análise do fluxo percorrido por eles nos serviços de saúde. Realizaram-se entrevistas com os profissionais envolvidos no atendimento ao paciente, e fez-se levantamento das principais barreiras que poderiam ser enfrentadas por ele. No planejamento, contemplou-se a estrutura do programa. Na implantação, realizou-se piloto de navegação com duas enfermeiras de áreas distintas; e construíram-se o perfil de atuação do enfermeiro navegador e uma proposta de temas para capacitação da equipe. Realizou-se avaliação com a ferramenta Plan, Do, Study and Act ao término de cada etapa. Construíram-se às pacientes, linha de cuidado de atenção à mama e o programa de navegação. Conclusão: Desenvolveram-se dois produtos: Linha de Cuidado Planejada, com ações importantes de prevenção favorecendo o rastreamento e diagnóstico precoce da doença; e o Programa de Navegação para atendimento à linha, em que a atenção é centrada no paciente, com avaliação de suas necessidades, eliminação de barreiras que lhe dificultam trafegar no sistema de saúde e seu direcionamento em cada etapa da jornada.

Atuação de enfermeiras navegadoras oncológicas na pandemia covid-19: desafios e inovações / Oncology nurse navigator performance in the covid-19 pandemic: challenges and innovations / Desempeño de enfermeras navegadoras de oncología en la pandemia de covid-19: desafíos y innovaciones

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de enfermeiras oncológicas navegadoras na implementação de ações organizacionais para a manutenção da assistência a pacientes durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Relato de experiência, desenvolvido entre março a julho de 2020, utilizando o Planejamento Estratégico Situacional. Resultados: Notou-se no primeiro momento a diminuição dos pacientes nos serviços para diagnósticos, alteração na rotina dos pacientes em tratamento oncológico e aumento da exposição ao vírus. No segundo momento, foram traçados os objetivos para manutenção do serviço, minimização das dúvidas sobre a pandemia e estabelecimento de medidas de segurança. No terceiro momento, foram planejadas as seguintes ações: manutenção do diagnóstico precoce e das rotinas terapêuticas; identificação de sinais e sintomas relacionados à COVID-19 e ações de segurança voltadas à redução da exposição ao vírus. No quarto momento, as ações foram executadas e constatamos como desafios a serem superados: a dificuldade de telemonitoramento e de acesso aos exames pelas plataformas digitais e, como inovação, a organização do serviço de "drive-thru" para administração de medicamentos. Conclusão: Atuar na navegação oncológica em tempos de pandemia requer conhecimento científico, habilidade técnica e criatividade para desenvolver ações que possam garantir a efetividade e a qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem. (AU)

Objective: To report the experience of oncology navigating nurses in implementing organizational actions to maintain care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Experience report, developed between March and July 2020, using Situational Strategic Planning. Results: At first, there was a decrease in the number of patients in the diagnostic services, changes in the routine of patients undergoing cancer treatment and an increased exposure to the virus. In the second step, the objectives for maintaining the service, minimizing doubts about the pandemic and establishing of security measures. In the third moment, the following actions were planned: maintenance of early diagnosis and therapeutic routines; identification of signs and symptoms related to COVID-19 and safety actions turned to reduction of virus exposure. In the fourth moment, the actions were carried out and we found as challenges to be overcome, the difficulty of telemonitoring and access to exams through digital platforms and; as an innovation, the organization of the drive-thru service for the application of medicines. Conclusion: Acting in oncological navigation in times of pandemic requires scientific knowledge, technical skill and creativity to develop actions that can guarantee the effectiveness and the quality of nursing care. (AU)

Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia de enfermeras navegantes oncológicas en la implementación de acciones organizacionales para el matenimiento de la asistencia durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Informe de experiencia, desarrollado entre marzo y julio de 2020, utilizando la Planificación Estratégica Situacional. Resultados: En el primer momento, hubo una disminución en el número de pacientes en los servicios de diagnóstico, cambios en la rutina de los pacientes en tratamiento oncológico y un aumento en la exposición del virus a los servicios de salud. En el segundo momento, se fijaran las metas para el mantenimiento del servicio, minimización de las dudas sobre la pandemia y establecer medidas de seguridad. En el tercer momento se planificaron las siguientes acciones: mantenimiento de los diagnósticos tempranos y las rutinas terapéuticas; identificación de las señales y síntomas relacionados con COVID-19 y acciones de seguridad dirigidas a reducir la exposición al virus. En el cuarto momento, se llevaron a cabo las acciones y encontramos como desafíos a superar: la dificultad de la telemonitorización y el acceso a los exámenes a través de plataformas digitales y, como innovación, la organización del servicio drive-thru para la aplicación de medicamentos. Conclusión: Actuar en la navegación oncológica en tiempos de pandemia requiere conocimiento científico, habilidad técnica y creatividad para crear acciones que puedan asegurar la efectividad y calidad de la atención de enfermería. (AU)

Patient navigation to address sociolegal barriers for patients with cancer: A comparative-effectiveness study.

BACKGROUND: Sociolegal barriers to cancer care are defined as health-related social needs like affordable healthy housing, stable utility service, and food security that may be remedied by public policy, law, regulation, or programming. Legal support has not been studied in cancer care. METHODS: The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial of patients who had newly diagnosed cancer at a safety-net medical center in Boston from 2014 through 2017, comparing standard patient navigation versus enhanced navigation partnered with legal advocates to identify and address sociolegal barriers. English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, or Haitian Creole-speaking patients with breast and lung cancer were eligible within 30 days of diagnosis. The primary outcome was timely treatment within 90 days of diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcomes (distress, cancer-related needs, and satisfaction with navigation) at baseline and at 6 months. RESULTS: In total, 201 patients with breast cancer and 19 with lung cancer enrolled (response rate, 78%). The mean patient age was 55 years, 51% of patients were Black and 22% were Hispanic, 20% spoke Spanish and 8% spoke Haitian Creole, 73% had public health insurance, 77% reported 1 or more perceived sociolegal barrier, and the most common were barriers to housing and employment. Ninety-six percent of participants with breast cancer and 73% of those with lung cancer initiated treatment within 90 days. No significant effect of enhanced navigation was observed on the receipt of timely treatment among participants with breast cancer (odds ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.17-4.52) or among those with lung cancer (odds ratio, 4.00; 95% CI, 0.35-45.4). No differences in patient-reported outcomes were observed between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Navigation enhanced by access to legal consultation and support had no impact on timely treatment, patient distress, or patient needs. Although most patients reported sociolegal barriers, few required intensive legal services that could not be addressed by navigators. LAY SUMMARY: In patients with cancer, the experience of sociolegal barriers to care, such as unstable housing, utility services, or food insecurity, is discussed. Addressing these barriers through legal information and assistance may improve care. This study compares standard patient navigation versus enhanced navigation partnered with legal advocates for patients with breast and lung cancers. Almost all patients in both navigation groups received timely care and also reported the same levels of distress, needs, and satisfaction with navigation. Although 75% of patients in the study had at least 1 sociolegal barrier identified, few required legal advocacy beyond what a navigator who received legal information and coaching could provide.

The cancer epidemic in the Caribbean region: Further opportunities to reverse the disease trend.

Cancer incidence has been rising in the Caribbean and is expected to have significant adverse implications for the health of people in the region and health systems in this decade. While developed countries, for the most part, enjoy the benefits of advanced technologies and adaptive systems in cancer control and management, a different experience confronts a large segment of the Caribbean population. The region has experienced some success in enhancing cancer services, however, there is a need to address gaps in several areas through nationally and regionally tailored initiatives. This Review complements previous publications on the challenges, actions, and progress towards cancer prevention and care in Caribbean countries but also further outlines potential positive impacts that can be derived from addressing gaps pertaining to cancer education, data management, screening and risk assessment, navigation services, gender factors, and resource development. The proposed approaches encapsulate concepts of health theories that are applicable across the ecological domains. When implemented in combination, the proposals may effectively contribute to reducing the cancer burden in the region.

Argentina's National Program for Control of Breast Cancer: Time 1, Patient Navigation, and Patient Cancer Education Experience.

Argentina has the second highest mortality rate for breast cancer (BC) in South America. The age-standardized incidence of BC in Argentina is 73 per 100,000. Despite the availability of early detection services, 30% of BCs are diagnosed at advanced disease stages. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of Argentina and the National Program for Control of Breast Cancer (NPCBC) focus on two main objectives: guaranteeing adequate and timely BC treatment and reducing BC mortality in Argentina. These objectives are addressed by maintaining three core concepts: quality control, disease monitoring, and wide coverage of available early detection and treatment services. The NPCBC is currently implementing the "Time 1 Survey Study." Time 1 is defined as the time from the first appearance of BC signs or symptoms to the first consult within the public healthcare system. This timeframe is important in Argentina because it is outside of the health timeframes and data parameters monitored by the national cancer data registry system. The Time 1 Survey study has the potential to serve as an informational tool for BC patient navigation efforts in Argentina because it can be used to identify and characterize the barriers and delays that women face during Time 1. Lessons and experiences included in this study could be translated to other Latin American and middle-income countries for developing cancer control programs that can lead to improving treatment and reducing mortality through patient navigation and cancer education efforts for the public, health professionals, and patients.

A patient navigation initiative to improve access to breast cancer care in Cali, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Patient navigation is the logistical and emotional support necessary to achieve diagnostic and treatment compliance. It can improve time to diagnosis, initiation of treatment, and patient satisfaction, as well as reduce the cost of treatment. Colombia has a well-defined Cancer Control Plan, but its implementation is lacking. AIM: To implement the first patient navigation initiative in Colombia, as part of a pilot program for the early detection of breast cancer. METHODS: The process involved assessing and addressing the barriers faced by women to access breast health care by providing training for health personnel, strengthening primary health care providers, and coordinating diverse level institutions for the provision of services. This led to the design and implementation of a navigation strategy focused on the needs of patients in Cali, Colombia and the involvement of the local health system to provide such services. RESULTS: Time to diagnosis was significantly reduced; research advanced by the Colombian National Institute of Cancerology shows that the average time between the first medical consultation and diagnosis was 91 days (CI 95%: 82-97 days), while this study carried out the same process in an average of 30 days, but patients still had issues with continuity of treatment due to financial strain between healthcare providers and insurers. Navigation, however, manages to overcome many of these problems by assisting women in the clinical and administrative care processes and seeking well-being for the beneficiaries. In addition, patient navigation helped identify critical failures in care, such as fragmentation of care and excessive bureaucracy. The navigation process improved data collection and established agreements to simplify and make the delivery of care more efficient. In addition, it generated partnerships between service providers and insurers. CONCLUSION: While several barriers and poor understanding of the navigation process still exist, a navigation program can help implement a Cancer Control Plan.

Navegación de pacientes con sospecha de cáncer de mama: un estudio cualitativo en Lima, Perú / Patient navigation in women with suspected breast cancer: a qualitative study in Lima, Perú

RESUMEN Objetivos: Identificar y describir los beneficios del sistema de navegación de las pacientes con sospecha de cáncer de mama. Identificar y describir las barreras a nivel personal de las usuarias y a las que se enfrentan institucionalmente hasta la obtención del diagnóstico definitivo. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo fenomenológico. Se emplearon guías de observación y se realizaron entrevistas a profundidad para el recojo de información. Se recopilaron las experiencias de ocho personas, tres fueron personal de salud, y cinco pacientes. El personal de salud incluyo dos médicos varones y una ex navegadora en un hospital de la seguridad social de Lima. Resultados: Las pacientes que fueron acompañadas por la navegadora manifiestan que su apoyo les permitió transitar su etapa de enfermedad con mayor facilidad, tanto a nivel emocional como en lo relacionado a procesos institucionales. Las principales barreras percibidas institucionales son i) infraestructura y procesos hospitalarios ii) ineficiente seguimiento y monitoreo de pacientes. Desde el lado de la usuaria i) obligaciones familiares y domésticas ii) miedos y desconocimiento de la enfermedad iii) experiencias previas en el sistema de salud. Conclusiones: La navegación de pacientes permite un acompañamiento logístico y emocional que favorece la experiencia de la paciente. Las dificultades halladas a nivel hospitalario, lejos de desaparecer, logran ser reducidas, aligerando así el peso de algunos procesos institucionales que deben cargar las pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify and to describe the main benefits of the navigation system from the perspective of patients with suspected breast cancer. Identify and describe the barriers at the personal level of the users and those that they face institutionally until the definitive diagnosis is obtained. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out between January and March 2020. Observation and in-depth interviews were the information gathering tools used. The experiences of five patients and three members of the health personnel were collected in one hospital of Lima. Results: The patients who were accompanied by the navigators state that their support allowed them to go through their stage of illness with greater ease, both emotionally and bureaucratically. The main perceived institutional barriers are i) infrastructure and hospital processes ii) inefficient follow-up and monitoring of patients. From the user side i) family and domestic obligations ii) fears and ignorance of the disease iii) previous experiences in the health system. Conclusions: Patient navigation allows logistical and emotional support that favours the experience of the patient. The difficulties encountered at the hospital level, far from disappearing, manage to be reduced, thus lightening the bureaucratic burden that patients must carry. There is an emotional bond between the patients and the navigators. The level of these affective relationships is mainly related to the reality of the patient, specifically to her social support network.

El enfermero navegador: un rol innovador en oncología. Revisión de alcance / The navigator nurse an innovative role in oncology. Scoping review

Objetivo: describir la fundamentación, tendencias y perspectivas del rol del enfermero navegador en el cuidado de las personas con cáncer. Materiales y métodos:revisión de alcance con acceso a Pubmed, OVID Nursing, Elsevier y Google Scholar de publicaciones generadas entre 2006 y 2020 en inglés y español utilizando los descriptores nurse navigator, oncology y patient navigator. Resultados: se identificaron 27 publicaciones. Se incluyeron estudios cuantitativos (48,1%), estudios de revisión (22,2%), cualitativos (11,1%), de métodos mixtos (7,4%), experimentales (14,8%) y otros tipos (11,1%). Los hallazgos se agruparon en 4 categorías: 1, Antecedentes y origen del rol de enfermero navegador; 2. Principios de la navegación. 3. Competencias esperadas y actividades del enfermero navegador 4. Resultados de la implementación del rol. Conclusión: el rol del enfermero navegador se presenta como una modalidad innovadora de atención, que permite mejorar la calidad del cuidado y los resultados clínicos. Se necesita adelantar su implementación, delimitando las tareas específicas y los requisitos necesarios para su ejercicio en el contexto local..Au

Objective: to describe foundation, trends and perspectives of nurse navigator role in the care process of adults with cancer Methods: scoping review of literature searches in the Pubmed, OVID Nursing, Elsevier y Google Scholar databases including academic and scientific papers from 2006-2020 in English and Spanish using the controlled descriptors Nurse navigator, Oncology and Patient navigator. Results: authors identified 27 publications. The selected papers included quantitative studies (48.1%), literature reviews (22.2%), qualitative studies (11.1%), mixed method studies (7.4%), experimental studies (14.8%) and other studies (11.1%). We grouped our findings in 4 categories: 1, Background and origin of oncology nurse navigator role; 2. Principles of navigation. 3. Competencies and activities of the navigator nurse 4. Results of implementation of the navigator nurse role. Conclusion: the nurse navigator role is an innovative modality to provide attention and it helps to improve the care quality and clinical outcomes. It is necessary that institutions to implement this role, making a delimitation of specific functions and requirements for its exercise..Au

Practical considerations for expediting breast cancer treatment in Brazil.

Patients in Brazil continue to present with late-stage breast cancer. Notwithstanding these figures, policies and programs to overcome this long-lasting scenario have had limited results. We enlist the main barriers for advancing breast cancer diagnosis in Brazil, based on the available evidence, and we propose feasible strategies that may serve as a platform to address this major public health challenge.

Patient Navigation to Improve Early Access to Supportive Care for Patients with Advanced Cancer in Resource-Limited Settings: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The early integration of supportive care in oncology improves patient-centered outcomes. However, data are lacking regarding how to achieve this in resource-limited settings. We studied whether patient navigation increased access to multidisciplinary supportive care among Mexican patients with advanced cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted between August 2017 and April 2018 at a public hospital in Mexico City. Patients aged ≥18 years with metastatic tumors ≤6 weeks from diagnosis were randomized (1:1) to a patient navigation intervention or usual care. Patients randomized to patient navigation received personalized supportive care from a navigator and a multidisciplinary team. Patients randomized to usual care obtained supportive care referrals from treating oncologists. The primary outcome was the implementation of supportive care interventions at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included advance directive completion, supportive care needs, and quality of life. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four patients were randomized: 67 to patient navigation and 67 to usual care. Supportive care interventions were provided to 74% of patients in the patient navigation arm versus 24% in usual care (difference 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.62; p < .0001). In the patient navigation arm, 48% of eligible patients completed advance directives, compared with 0% in usual care (p < .0001). At 12 weeks, patients randomized to patient navigation had less moderate/severe pain (10% vs. 33%; difference 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.38; p = .006), without differences in quality of life between arms. CONCLUSION: Patient navigation improves access to early supportive care, advance care planning, and pain for patients with advanced cancer in resource-limited settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The early implementation of supportive care in oncology is recommended by international guidelines, but this might be difficult to achieve in resource-limited settings. This randomized clinical trial including 134 Mexican patients with advanced cancer demonstrates that a multidisciplinary patient navigation intervention can improve the early access to supportive and palliative care interventions, increase advance care planning, and reduce symptoms compared with usual oncologist-guided care alone. These results demonstrate that patient navigation represents a potentially useful solution to achieve the adequate implementation of supportive and palliative care in resource-limited settings globally.

Clinical outcomes of patient navigation performed by nurses in the oncology setting: an integrative review / Resultados clínicos da navegação de pacientes realizada por enfermeiros no cenário da oncologia: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objective: to evidence the clinical outcomes of navigation performed by nurses in cancer patients. Methods: this is an integrative literature review with collection in MEDLINE via PUBMED, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. The final sample consisted of seven studies. The data were analyzed and presented descriptively. Data related to clinical outcomes were compiled and described in full. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality categorization was used to assess the level of evidence. Results: the clinical outcomes demonstrated were decreased distress, anxiety and depression, improved control and management of symptoms, improved physical conditioning, improved quality and continuity of care, improved quality of life, reduced time to start treatment. Final considerations: there is research that shows better clinical outcomes in cancer patients through navigation by nurses across the continuum of health care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: destacar los resultados clínicos de la navegación realizada por enfermeras en pacientes oncológicos. Métodos: revisión integradora de la literatura, con recogida en las bases de datos MEDLINE vía PUBMED, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus y CINAHL. La muestra final consistió en siete estudios. Los datos fueron analizados y presentados de forma descriptiva. Los datos relacionados con los resultados clínicos se recopilaron y describieron en su totalidad. Se utilizó la categorización de la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality para evaluar el nivel de evidencia. Resultados: los resultados clínicos demostrados fueron disminución del sufrimiento, ansiedad y depresión, mejor control y manejo de los síntomas, mejor acondicionamiento físico, mejor calidad y continuidad de la atención, mejor calidad de vida, menor tiempo para iniciar el tratamiento. Consideraciones finales: existen estudios que muestran mejores resultados clínicos en pacientes con cáncer a través de la navegación por enfermeras a lo largo del continuo de la atención de salud

RESUMO Objetivo: evidenciar os resultados clínicos da navegação realizada por enfermeiros no paciente com câncer. Métodos: revisão integrativa da literatura, com coleta nas bases de dados MEDLINE via PUBMED, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus e CINAHL. A amostra final foi composta por sete estudos. Os dados foram analisados e apresentados descritivamente. Dados relacionados aos resultados clínicos foram compilados e descritos na íntegra. Utilizou-se a categorização da Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality para avaliação do nível de evidência. Resultados: os resultados clínicos demonstrados foram diminuição do sofrimento, ansiedade e depressão, melhora no controle e manejo dos sintomas, melhora no condicionamento físico, melhora na qualidade e continuidade dos cuidados, melhora na qualidade de vida, redução do tempo para o início do tratamento. Considerações finais: hápesquisas que evidenciam melhores resultados clínicos no paciente com câncer por meio da realização da navegação pelo enfermeiro em todo o continuum de assistência à saúde.

Patient navigation: fighting for the rights of breast cancer patients in Brazil

Introduction: The content of this article deals with the experience of the navigation program for patients in a breast cancer diagnosis center of the State Health Department of Rio de Janeiro. The objective was to show how the patient navigation program can allow the proper application of the 60-day Law, being a topic of interest for the planning and evaluation of actions to control this cancer in Brazil. Methodology: The patient navigator accompanied women from the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS) with a diagnosis of breast cancer to start treatment at a specialized center within 60 days. Information on the clinical characteristics of the patients, clinical dates and barriers encountered were collected. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with starting treatment within 60 days. Results: From January to July 2020, 301 breast biopsies were performed, 126 (42%) of breast cancer. The mean age was 54 years (26­88). 75% of the lesions were diagnosed in advanced stages (IIB to IV). The mean time to start treatment was 39 days (11­108). The main barriers found were: fear (93%), difficulty in communicating with the medical team (81%), uncoordinated health care (37%). Being treated outside the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) was the main factor associated with treatment within 60 days (79.5% vs. 20.5%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The integration of the patient browser into work processes contributed to compliance with the 60-day Law in 86% of cases. In the context of a complex and fragmented healthcare system for a population in a situation of socioeconomic vulnerability, the patient navigation program proves to be a tool to increase the rate of law enforcement in Brazil.

Nurse Navigator: development of a program for Brazil / Nurse Navigator: desenvolvimento de um programa para o Brasil / Enfermero navegador: desarrollo de un programa para Brasil

Objective: to develop a Navigation Program for cancer patients, based on the model proposed by The GW Cancer Institute at George Washington University, adapted to the reality of a Brazilian High Complexity Center in Oncology. Method: a convergent care research applied in the development of a patient navigation care process, based on the model proposed by George Washington University, adapted for a High Complexity Center in Oncology in Brazil. Phases of the Convergent Assistance Research: conception, instrumentation, scrutiny, analysis and interpretation. These were correlated with the stages of the Program Development Cycle. Scale designed to categorize patients into navigation levels, validated by the Delphi Technique, with 12 specialists. Results: in the diagnosis, patients with head and neck cancer were defined for inclusion in the Navigation Program. Planning and implementation took place simultaneously, allowing the basic formatting of the program and its processes to be designed. Navigation Needs Assessment Scale designed to select the patient to join the Program and determine the recommended support. The scale validation had a consensus index of 96.42%. Evaluation of the stages of the cycle occurred through the adapted Plan/Do/Check/Act cycle. Conclusion: a Navigation Program was developed adapted to the Brazilian reality, and attributions of the navigators were created.

Objetivo: desenvolver um Programa de Navegação para pacientes oncológicos, fundamentado no modelo proposto pelo The GW Cancer Institute da George Washington University, adaptado à realidade de um Centro de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia brasileiro. Método: pesquisa convergente assistencial aplicada no desenvolvimento de um processo assistencial de Navegação de Pacientes, fundamentado no modelo proposto pela George Washington University, adaptado para um Centro de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia no Brasil. Fases da Pesquisa Convergente assistencial: concepção, instrumentação, perscrutação, análise e interpretação. Essas foram correlacionadas com as etapas do Ciclo de Desenvolvimento de Programas. Idealizada Escala para categorizar os pacientes em níveis de navegação, validada pela Técnica de Delphi, com 12 especialistas. Resultados: no diagnóstico definiu-se pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço para inserção no Programa de Navegação. Planejamento e implantação ocorreram simultaneamente, permitindo realizar o desenho da formatação básica do programa e seus processos. Escala de Avaliação de Necessidade de Navegação elaborada com a finalidade de selecionar o paciente para ingressar no Programa e determinar o suporte recomendado. A validação escala teve índice de consenso de 96,42%. Avaliação das etapas do ciclo ocorreram através do ciclo Plan/Do/Check/Act adaptado. Conclusão: um Programa de Navegação adaptado à realidade brasileira foi desenvolvido, bem como, as atribuições dos navegadores.

Objetivo: desarrollar un Programa de Navegación para pacientes con cáncer, basado en el modelo propuesto por The GW Cancer Institute de la Universidad George Washington, adaptado a la realidad de un Centro de Alta Complejidad en Oncología brasileño. Método: investigación de atención convergente aplicada en el desarrollo de un proceso de atención de navegación para pacientes, basado en el modelo propuesto por la Universidad George Washington, adaptado para un Centro de Alta Complejidad en Oncología en Brasil. Fases de la investigación de asistencia convergente: concepción, instrumentación, escrutinio, análisis e interpretación. Estos se correlacionaron con las etapas del ciclo de desarrollo del programa. Escala diseñada para clasificar a los pacientes en niveles de navegación, validado por la Técnica Delphi, con 12 especialistas. Resultados: en el diagnóstico, los pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello fueron definidos para su inclusión en el Programa de Navegación. La planificación y la implementación se llevaron a cabo simultáneamente, permitiendo diseñar el formato básico del programa y sus procesos. Escala de evaluación de necesidades de navegación diseñada para seleccionar al paciente que se unirá al Programa y determinar el apoyo recomendado. La validación de la escala tuvo un índice de consenso del 96,42%. La evaluación de las etapas del ciclo ocurrió a través del ciclo adaptado Plan/Do/Check/Act. Conclusión: se desarrolló un programa de navegación adaptado a la realidad brasileña, y fueron creadas asignaciones de los navegadores.