Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators Boasts Record Attendance Numbers at Midyear Conference

Press Releases published on May 25, 2021

CRANBURY, NJ, May 19, 2021: The 2021 Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) Midyear Conference hosted a record number of nurse and patient navigators this year. The 30% increase in attendance not only demonstrated an overall hunger for knowledge in the navigation space but also an increase in the professional interest as a whole. Because AONN+ is the only organization dedicated solely to clinical and patient navigation, resources offered are in high demand. The dynamic and progressive climate of the cancer care continuum has demonstrated the need for patient navigation and allowed many individuals to evolve into this role. The Midyear Conference was an opportunity to discuss real-world and current information for nurse and patient navigators. As care paradigms and communication methods are continually changing, not only were the clinical and practical topics imperative, but the virtual networking opportunities were essential to sustain the navigator passion and enhance skills.

This event’s growth has demonstrated patient navigation as a critical value-based strategy that has matured and evolved substantially as the navigator has become an essential part of the multidisciplinary care team. Together with the patient, nurse and patient navigators address the fragmented oncology system and assist in explaining the maze of information required to put a care plan into action.

“Navigators are distinct members of an oncology interdisciplinary team as they strive to help address oncology care fragmentation and promote delivery of a coordinated and seamless experience across the care continuum for patients. They walk beside the patient and caregivers in all the cancer care continuum settings from community outreach to end of life and survivorship care. They are a healthcare delivery support strategy that has shown evidence on creating a positive patient experience, clinical outcomes, and return on investment,” said Sharon Gentry, RN, MSN, CBCN, HON-ONN-CG, AONN+ Program Director. “The AONN+ conferences are an avenue for navigators to stay abreast of how they will continue to fit in with the quality value of future oncology as patient engagement and care coordination patterns change in the fluctuating economic, social, and policy climates of healthcare.”

For more information on the Annual Conference, please click here.

About the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators, Inc.
The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators, Inc. (AONN+), is the largest national specialty organization dedicated to improving patient care and quality of life by defining, enhancing, and promoting the role of oncology nurse and patient navigators. The organization, which has nearly 8900 members, was founded in 2009 to provide a network for all professionals involved and interested in patient navigation and survivorship care services in order to better manage the complexities of the cancer treatment process.

About the Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship
The Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship (www.jons-online.com) is the official publication of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+). JONS seeks to strengthen the role of nurse and patient navigators in cancer care by serving as a platform for these professionals to disseminate original research findings, exchange best practices, and find support for their growing community.

About CONQUER: the patient voice magazine
CONQUER: the patient voice magazine (www.conquer-magazine.com) is the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) premier forum for patients with cancer. CONQUER features articles written by and for patients with cancer, survivors, nurse navigators, and other oncology team members. This magazine addresses the issues that patients, their family members, and caregivers face every day in an easy-to-read format. Issues include interviews with patients with cancer, information on access to care, and articles on lifestyle topics such as nutrition, stress management, personal finance, and legal and employer issues. CONQUER also features patient stories that are nominated for the AONN+ Hero of Hope™ award, which is presented at the AONN+ Annual Conference. All stories are compiled in a special issue of CONQUER at the end of the year.

Gwen Coverdale, 267-884-6328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.