Characteristics of the original patient navigation programs to reduce disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

摘要: BACKGROUND. Patient navigation is an intervention developed to reduce disparities in cancer care that being widely replicated and receiving considerable support for demonstration projects research test its effectiveness. In the current study, authors present in-depth descriptive analysis of original patient programs inform future program development. METHODS. A qualitative multistakeholder case study using interviews site visits first 2 sites subsequently by leadership were evaluated. RESULTS. At these sites, a system, as opposed person, comprised primarily navigators directors work together remove barriers facilitate access well-defined course care; from community or culturally similar population served but also paid employees clinical with detailed knowledge patients must traverse complete plans. Directors had administrative authority over facility social capital across institutions, communicated regularly openly implement system level changes care. Contextual factors such policies supporting breast influenced implementation programs. CONCLUSIONS. The combined sensitive care-coordination aspects disease management racial, ethnic, poverty-driven Future efforts replicate evaluate should take into account unique programs. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Society.