Evaluation and outcome measures in patient navigation.

OBJECTIVES

To review evaluation and outcome measures, including patient-reported outcomes, for assessing the impact of patient navigation.

DATA SOURCES

Published peer-reviewed papers, systematic reviews, clinical reports, research and clinical experience.

CONCLUSION

Research is demonstrating that patient navigation has beneficial outcomes across the cancer care continuum. More research is needed on outcomes of patient navigation by oncology nurses, to include baseline assessments that identify the areas of program focus, ongoing evaluation, and achievement of desired outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses who provide patient navigation as care coordinators, navigators, case managers, or team members have the potential to affect many positive outcomes in oncology care. Nursing research is needed to define oncology nursing patient navigation interventions and associated outcomes.