Medical oncologist Richard J. LoCicero, MD, believes navigators fill in the patient care blanks offering their value as coordinators, shoulders of support, and negotiators.
Beginning a navigation program can be intimidating and there is not one program that fits every institution. Lillie recommends visiting other institutions that have established programs as a starting point.
Lillie addresses the alarming 48% deficit the healthcare system faces in oncology specialists by 2020. Psychosocial needs of patients will still need to be met, and this is where navigators can fill the gap and ensure those services don't get pushed aside.
As navigators, we need to be resourceful and act as constant change agents in order to break down the stigma around cancer that causes barriers to care.
Jennifer Klemp foretells a future of navigation that includes the need for more survivors and the need for navigators to help them along their care continuum.