Patient Navigation

The Oncology Patient Navigation Program focuses on helping you overcome barriers that prevent you from getting the treatment you need

Patient navigators work to empower you by linking you to a broad range of services. They’ll meet with you during your cancer care appointments and provide a behind-the-scenes support by reaching out to resources or other clinics on your behalf.

The Five Ws of Patient Navigation

Learn more about who patient navigators are, what they do, and how they can help you throughout your cancer journey.

Navigators are a key part of any clinical team. They are trained professionals who are educated in helping patients overcome healthcare barriers through their cancer care journey. 

Navigators act as connectors to social resources. Navigators work with patients to address many barriers, such as: 

  • Transportation services
  • Providing appointment reminders
  • Referrals to community resources for food and financial support
  • Helping patients understand complex treatment schedules
  • Insurance questions
     

Navigators can start helping patients at any point throughout their cancer care journey, resources can be provided as soon as the time of diagnosis up to survivorship. 

Navigators can be found across many departments helping both patients and healthcare staff in many ways. While there are dedicated professionals that assist patients at BMC, the process of navigation may occur at any time with healthcare staff when a patient has identified a barrier to their care. 

Navigation have been shown to:

  • Improve quality of care
  • Decrease missed appointments
  • Improve communication with the healthcare team
  • Increase patient participation in treatment decision-making

The earlier a navigator is involved in a patient's care the sooner they show benefits within their cancer care journey. If you are interested in meeting with a patient navigator, please ask your doctor or nurse about this service. 
 
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