Evaluation of a Preliminary Patient Navigation Program for Cancer Care in Taiwan

Patient navigation program aims to reduce barriers of cancer prevention and cancer care. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Taiwan. Patient navigation program is a national initiative to promote quality of cancer care. The purpose of this study is to describe preliminary cancer navigation programs conducted in 6 hospitals in Taiwan and to evaluate from patients' and navigators' perspectives. A mixed method was used to collect data from interviews of 10 patients/family, a focus-group interview of 6 navigators, and navigators' records of encounters during one-year period. Data included characteristics of cancer navigation and patients'/family's reported barriers or needs. Results indicated all navigation programs were led by trained oncology nurses or social workers and located at outpatient settings. Trained lay persons or volunteers were accompanied to assist in the program. The patients/family participants reported that the navigation was characterized as prompt, directing and resourcing supports, including emotional and educational supports, problem-solving, and logistical coordination. The navigators valued the program for fulfilling unmet needs, and for bridging barriers and resources, but suggested that administrative support and collaborative work were the keys to success. A total of 4620 encounters were recorded. Navigations were made for mid-age patients and a majority were by the patients' own initiatives. Greater than 1/3 encounters were related to psychosocial and information needs. The top 3 navigation activities were education, counseling and providing information. This finding can assist in the future development of cancer navigation programs.