Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112293

Mona N. Fouad, MD, MPH¹, Michelle Martin, PhD², Territa Poole, BS³, Edward Partridge, MD⁴, Ann Smith, MPH¹, and Theresa Ann Wynn, PhD⁵. (1) School of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, (2) Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Ave South, Medical Towers Building #736, Birmingham, AL 35294, (3) Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, (4) Department of Medicine-Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL 35294, (5) UAB School of Medicine -Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 11th Avenue South, Room 118, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-934-6892, twynn@dopm.uab.edu

Our objective is to assess the feasibility of developing and implementing a community based Navigator program to ensure access to care and appropriate medical follow-up for underserved women who present with positive breast cancer screens. Specific aim: 1) assist women with positive screens to identify an appropriate source of follow-up; 2) facilitate women's navigation through the health care system; 3) provide women with the needed information and sources to overcome social and economic barriers; and 4) provide women with the needed social support: CHAs are trained to implement the following three-fold intervention Referrer: CHAs refer women with a positive breast cancer screen to an appropriate physician or treatment facility. Navigators: CHAs guide women through the health care system; Case Managers: CHAs conduct a needs assessment that identify potential barriers to optimal treatment for positive breast cancer screens; problem solve with regard to barriers; and provide women with peer social support. The targeted population is low-income African American (AA) women who reside in either rural or urban counties in AL. Results: 27 community volunteers were trained as navigators. 76 patients were enrolled, 61% had breast cancer, 90% were AA women, 66% had financial needs, 44% were in need of social support; 89% required more information about their disease, and 44% needed transportation and access to facilities. Out of a total of 449 appointments, navigators were successful in helping patients to overcome barriers and keep 96% of their expected visits.

Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1.Describe the processes involved in developing, implementing and evaluating a community-based patient navigator program.
• Identify 4 main roles, responsibilities and expectations of a patient navigator.
• Discuss the unique characteristics that differentiates a community-based patient navigator from a social service/hospital case manager.
• Recognize the important role community-based patient navigator play in eliminating breast and cervical cancer health disparities and assisting underserved patients comply with physician recommended regimens.

Keywords: Case Management, Community Health Advisor

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.