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Chen M, Wu VS, Falk D, Cheatham C, Cullen J, Hoehn R. Patient Navigation in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:504-537. [PMID: 38581470 PMCID: PMC11063100 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Patient navigation promotes access to timely treatment of chronic diseases by eliminating barriers to care. Patient navigation programs have been well-established in improving screening rates and diagnostic resolution. This systematic review aimed to characterize the multifaceted role of patient navigators within the realm of cancer treatment. RECENT FINDINGS A comprehensive electronic literature review of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the role of patient navigators in cancer treatment from August 1, 2009 to March 27, 2023. Fifty-nine articles were included in this review. Amongst studies focused on cancer treatment initiation, 70% found a significant improvement in treatment initiation amongst patients who were enrolled in patient navigation programs, 71% of studies focused on treatment adherence demonstrated significant improvements in treatment adherence, 87% of studies investigating patient satisfaction showed significant benefits, and 81% of studies reported a positive impact of patient navigators on quality care indicators. Three palliative care studies found beneficial effects of patient navigation. Thirty-seven studies investigated disadvantaged populations, with 76% of them concluded that patient navigators made a positive impact during treatment. This systematic review provides compelling evidence supporting the value of patient navigation programs in cancer treatment. The findings suggest that patient navigation plays a crucial role in improving access to care and optimizing treatment outcomes, especially for disadvantaged cancer patients. Incorporating patient navigation into standard oncology practice can reduce disparities and improve the overall quality of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Chen
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Victoria S Wu
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Derek Falk
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chesley Cheatham
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer Cullen
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Richard Hoehn
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Yeh SCJ, Wang WC, Yu HC, Wu TY, Lo YY, Shi HY, Chou HC. Relationship between using cancer resource center services and patient outcomes. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:706. [PMID: 37975908 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08169-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Psychological and social support are crucial in treating cancer. Cancer resource centers provide patients with cancer and their families with services that can help them through cancer treatment, ensure that patients receive adequate treatment, and reduce cancer-related stress. These centers offer various services, including medical guidance, health education, emotional assistance (e.g., consultations for cancer care), and access to resources such as financial aid and post recovery programs. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed how cancer resource centers assist patients with cancer and improve their clinical outcomes. METHODS The study participants comprised patients initially diagnosed with head and neck cancer or esophageal cancer. A total of 2442 patients from a medical center in Taiwan were included in the study. Data were analyzed through logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS The results indicate that unemployment, blue-collar work, and a lower education level were associated with higher utilization of cancer resource center services. The patients who were unemployed or engaged in blue-collar work had higher risks of mortality than did their white-collar counterparts. Patient education programs can significantly improve the survival probability of patients with cancer. On the basis of our evaluation of the utilization and benefits of services provided by cancer resource centers, we offer recommendations for improving the functioning of support systems for patients with cancer and provide suggestions for relevant future research. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that cancer resource centers provide substantial support for patients of low socioeconomic status and improve patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chuan Jennifer Yeh
- Institute of Health Care Management & Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70 Lian Hai Road, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
| | - Wen Chun Wang
- Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chung Yu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yu Wu
- National Taiwan University Hospital Research Ethics Committee Office, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ying Lo
- Department of Healthcare Administration, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hon-Yi Shi
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chih Chou
- Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Tsui J, Howard J, O'Malley D, Miller WL, Hudson SV, Rubinstein EB, Ferrante JM, Bator A, Crabtree BF. Understanding primary care-oncology relationships within a changing healthcare environment. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:164. [PMID: 31775653 PMCID: PMC6882058 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-1056-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Management of care transitions from primary care into and out of oncology is critical for optimal care of cancer patients and cancer survivors. There is limited understanding of existing primary care-oncology relationships within the context of the changing health care environment. Methods Through a comparative case study of 14 innovative primary care practices throughout the United States (U.S.), we examined relationships between primary care and oncology settings to identify attributes contributing to strengthened relationships in diverse settings. Field researchers observed practices for 10–12 days, recording fieldnotes and conducting interviews. We created a reduced dataset of all text related to primary care-oncology relationships, and collaboratively identified patterns to characterize these relationships through an inductive “immersion/crystallization” analysis process. Results Nine of the 14 practices discussed having either formal or informal primary care-oncology relationships. Nearly all formal primary care-oncology relationships were embedded within healthcare systems. The majority of private, independent practices had more informal relationships between individual primary care physicians and specific oncologists. Practices with formal relationships noted health system infrastructure that facilitates transfer of patient information and timely referrals. Practices with informal relationships described shared commitment, trust, and rapport with specific oncologists. Regardless of relationship type, challenges reported by primary care settings included lack of clarity about roles and responsibilities during cancer treatment and beyond. Conclusions With the rapid transformation of U.S. healthcare towards system ownership of primary care practices, efforts are needed to integrate strengths of informal primary care-oncology relationships in addition to formal system driven relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Tsui
- Division of Population Science, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
| | - Jenna Howard
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Denalee O'Malley
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - William L Miller
- Lehigh Valley Health Network, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 1247 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA, 18103, USA
| | - Shawna V Hudson
- Division of Population Science, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Ellen B Rubinstein
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Dakota State University, 428 Minard Hall, 1210 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Jeanne M Ferrante
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Alicja Bator
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Benjamin F Crabtree
- Division of Population Science, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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