Patient navigation moderates emotion and information demands of cancer treatment: a qualitative analysis.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2014

Identifier

DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2295-z; PMCID: PMC4221546

Abstract

PURPOSE: Patient navigation is increasingly employed to guide patients through cancer treatment. We assessed the elements of navigation that promoted patients' involvement in treatment among patients with breast and colorectal cancer that participated in a navigation study.

METHODS: We conducted qualitative analysis of 28 audiotaped and transcribed semi-structured interviews of navigated and unnavigated cancer patients.

RESULTS: Themes included feeling emotionally and cognitively overwhelmed and desire for a strong patient-navigator partnership. Both participants who were navigated and those who were not felt that navigation did or could help address their emotional, informational, and communicational needs. The benefits of logistical support were cited less often.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the salience of personal relationships between patients and navigators in meeting patients' emotional and informational needs.

Journal Title

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer

Volume

22

Issue

12

First Page

3143

Last Page

3151

MeSH Keywords

Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Protocols; Breast Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Emotions; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Information Seeking Behavior; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Navigation; Patient Participation; Professional-Patient Relations; Qualitative Research; United States

Keywords

Adaptation; Antineoplastic Protocols; Breast Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Emotions; Health Services Needs and Demand; Information Seeking Behavior; Patient Navigation; Patient Participation; Professional-Patient Relations; Qualitative Research

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