Navigated care: Increasing access to health care and integrated wellness programs

Background

Men are less likely to go to the doctor, talk about their medical issues, and engage in prevention and wellness programs. The Men's Health League (MHL) provides better access to health through its Navigated Care (NC) program based at the Cambridge Public Health Department, within Cambridge Health Alliance, a health care delivery system. NC is a healthcare gateway, using electronic medical records (EMR) to efficiently link to clinical services while bridging community-based care. NC also connects men with health insurance, a Massachusetts requirement since 2006; and improves men's health care experience by building relationships between patients, navigators, and clinicians.

Methods

Men are referred to the MHL's Navigated Care program to address lack of health insurance, need for a doctor, and related health care concerns. The Health Care Navigator also connects men to other wellness programs offered by the Men's Health League. Evaluation methods track demographics, insurance access, interactions with physicians, and self-reported health status.

Results

After participating in Navigated Care, men (n=74) reported 1) having a primary care physician (18% pre-program, 100% post-program); 2) having health insurance (35% pre-program, 98% post-program); and 3) having a physical exam in past 12 months (41% pre-program, 97% post-program). Improved health status was also reported, with 77% of men reporting good to excellent health post-program, compared with 40% pre-program.

Conclusion

This presentation will share implementation lessons learned in connecting men to healthcare as well as key data findings from a patient navigation program. Lastly, it will discuss current directions for Navigated Care.