Book Description

Defining the oncology nurse navigator (ONN) role, facility tracking metrics, and the creation of an ONN care model can be used to expand the role of the ONN. Using the care model and metrics in relation to ONN tasks, providers and navigators can track ONN processes outcomes and improve patient care processes. Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to integrate the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN) guidelines, tracking metrics, and physician feedback about patient-needed resources to implement an ONN care model to expand current cancer patient care processes. Methods: Physicians were surveyed for needed patient resources, knowledge about the ONN role, and satisfaction with ONN care outcomes. Creation of an ONN care model and role definition of the ONN were defined for facility needs and improvement. Physician post-surveys and qualitative data were gathered. Aggregated data was gained through anonymous surveys. Results: Post-survey results indicated that improvements were needed to expand the ONN role. Qualitative data suggests that using an ONN care model and metric tracking would benefit patient care and the multidisciplinary team. Discussion: Defining and implementing an ONN care model and role and responsibility program increased the multidisciplinary awareness and resources of current evidence-based practices. Conclusions: Incorporating, a defined structured process for ONN cancer patient navigation can expand the role of the ONN, increase multidisciplinary team involvement, and provide holistic patient care.