Designing a Patient Navigator Program to improve Quality of Life in underserved Latinas diagnosed with breast cancer

Based on feedback from the patients participating in the PODER breast and Cervical Cancer Education and Screening Program at San Ysidro Health Center, the Patient Navigation and Survivor Support Program at San Ysidro Health Center was developed. The PNSSP is a breast cancer patient navigation and support program designed to increase quality of life and survivorship among low-income, uninsured Latinas on the US/Mexico Border. The program utilizes multiple strategies to increase the quality of life among women diagnosed through the program and includes a bilingual/bi-cultural navigator, yoga and cooking classes, counseling, and a peer support program. Since the beginning of the program in April 2007, more than 30 women have participated in the program. Evaluation for the program includes focus groups, quality of life surveys and patient satisfaction surveys. Components of the program will be discussed as well as results of the evaluation process.