Navigation in oncology has demonstrated benefits for people at risk for or diagnosed with cancer, such as shorter time to diagnosis and treatment, increased patient and caregiver knowledge, better adherence to care, and improved quality of life. In addition, benefits to healthcare institutions, such as cost reductions through reduced rates of emergency department visits and readmission and decreased outmigration of newly diagnosed patients, are being identified. The goal of navigation is to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality by eliminating barriers to timely access to cancer care, which may be financial, psychological, logistic, or related to communication or the healthcare delivery system.
The Oncology Nursing Society ([ONS], 2017) defines an oncology nurse navigator (ONN) as “a professional RN with oncology-specific clinical knowledge who offers individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome healthcare system barriers. Using the nursing process, an ONN provides education and resources to facilitate informed decision making and timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum” (p. 4).
Effective navigation models use a variety of healthcare and non-healthcare (lay) personnel. The ONN provides added benefit because they are uniquely qualified to provide specific clinical support to patients and caregivers, such as holistic assessment, general and focused education, and decision-making support. The ONN has the skills and knowledge to coordinate quality, patient-centered care through effective leadership of the interprofessional cancer care team.
It is the position of ONS that
Approved by the ONS Board March 2018.
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Statement Type
Nursing Practice
References
Oncology Nursing Society. (2017). 2017 oncology nurse navigator core competencies. Retrieved from https://www.ons.org/sites/default/files/2017ONNcompetencies.pdf
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