Navigating Breast Cancer Patients

By: Jennifer Campos RN, BSN, OCN, CBPN-IC

Navigation began….. In 1990 by Dr. Harold P Freeman in Harlem.

Why? Because of obstacles faced in accessing care:

Financial barriers (lack of insurance, underinsured)

Logistic barriers (lack of transportation, living far from healthcare providers, lack of follow-up care, lack of understandable cancer information.

Sociocultural barriers (limited support, unable to understand information).

Patient Population Referred from: Family physicians,

Obgyn, surgeons, urgent care centers, NP’s, area outreach (Amarillo Area of Breast Health Coalition)

Ages from 24 to late 90s. Women and men

Great Efforts for DetectionWhat do we do when Breast Cancer is diagnosed???

Once Diagnosed Obtain medical history and family historyAdditional diagnostic tests evaluatedReferrals made:

Medical OncologistRadiation OncologistSurgeonCardiologist (at times)

Demands on the Healthcare System Timely information Treatments Available resources Better communication Emotional support

Bridge Community Partner

We serve to be “supportive guides”

We hold their hands

Encourage their steps

At times we wipe their tears

Navigation Purpose Break through the

barriers. Identify individual

needs Reduce delays in

accessing care Comprehensive

assessment (mental, medical, and social)

Provide-support and education

Advocate Provide community

resources Address

survivorship- there is life after cancer.

Coordinator

Navigation is to Close the Gap

“What is my purpose?” Not to redirect care Reduce fear and anxiety with education Gain trust by being truthful Address the elephant in the room

“death” Allow any emotion Comfort with time, touch, and eye

contact.

Breaking Through Barriers Listen without judgment (brainstorm out

loud) Encourage them to stay involved Never give false hope

Truth with compassion Give them hope (medical advancement)

Our Area’s Breakthroughs Women Events

Wise Women Hablando Walmart Pink Event-

Hereford County Extention

– Health fairs

Additional Fundings for detection: CPRIT Grant Komen BCCS Small local

hospital contribution

Reach out further Medical Assistance:

Hospital/clinic payment plans

Co-pay assistance Drug assistance

oncologyRX (oral and IV chemo therapies)

Drug companies

Foundations

Panhandle Cancer Cure Foundation

211 League House ACS Living Beyond

Cancer

Future By 2015 patient navigation will become

the standard of care for all cancer programs accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) –Swanson, Jay. Oncology Issues. “Growing a Navigation Program”. July-August 2012.