Plus Pointers
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
Patient navigation is an evolving profession and many navigators do a significant amount of learning on the job. As such, it’s imperative that navigators are open to constructive criticism and feedback from members of the healthcare team, and even patients.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
When patients receive a cancer diagnosis, they often want information on how to best manage their own health and wellness. Navigators can provide health promotion information and encourage patients to understand their cancer treatment and how to plan for a future of health.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
One of the top barriers facing cancer patients is how they will cope financially with treatment and care. Patient navigators are often faced with patients who need help understanding their medical bills and finding ways to pay for their care.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
Patient navigation is a dynamic profession, and cancer care is an ever-evolving field. It is imperative that navigators invest in ongoing learning activities to enhance their knowledge and skill set.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
Patient navigators have a unique role in working to reduce health disparities and promote health equity in underserved communities.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
Patient navigation is still a fairly new profession and, as such, navigators should tap into their expertise and experience to educate others about their role.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
Patient navigators often serve as advocates with and on behalf of patients. A cancer diagnosis is a new experience for patients—one that thrusts them into a world of unknown terminology, overwhelming treatments and procedures, and complex systems.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
Oncology care is a team effort. Physicians, nurses, social workers, patient navigators, and a host of other team members work together to ensure the best possible patient care.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
To operate more efficiently, patient navigators should consider adopting the following habits to improve organizational skills.
Mandi Pratt-Chapman, MA, PhD, HON-OPN-CG
Clinical trials are important because they help to study new ways to treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer, as well as manage symptoms and side effects from cancer treatment.
