Development of a breast navigation program.

OBJECTIVES

To review the development of a navigation program in a major US academic health care institution, and provide guidance for navigation programmatic development in other settings.

DATA SOURCES

The Johns Hopkins Breast Center Steering Committee minutes, Hospital Cancer Registry; administrative data, and literature.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating navigation services throughout the cancer continuum, from diagnosis to survivorship, provides guidance for patients with cancer. Navigation processes and programs must remain dynamic, reflecting patient and community needs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses have traditionally performed many tasks associated with navigation, including patient education, psychosocial support, and addressing barriers to care. This article provides an exemplar for nurses developing or enhancing comprehensive breast programs.