Navigator of the Year

Definition of Patient Navigator

Patient navigation in cancer care refers to specialized assistance for the community, patients, families, and caregivers in overcoming barriers to receiving care and facilitating timely access to clinical services and resources.

The navigation process may include, but is not limited to:

• Reducing barriers to care (which may include patient-centered, provider-centered, or health system-centered barriers) by:

  • Assisting in accessing available resources to overcome barriers on-site or by formal referral and/or

  • Creatively helping with gaps in the available resources to overcome barriers

• Improving access to, and timeliness of, cancer services.

• Providing strong support and guidance for timely access to the cancer care system.

• Making the system clearer and increasing coordination among doctors.

• Helping patients and their loved ones understand their diagnosis and treatment plan options.