Definition of Patient Navigation

Patient navigation in cancer care refers to individualized assistance offered to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome health care system barriers and facilitate timely access to quality medical and psychosocial care from pre-diagnosis through all phases of the cancer experience. Navigation services and programs should be provided by culturally competent professional or non-professional persons in a variety of medical, organizational, advocacy, or community settings. The type of navigation services will depend upon the particular type, severity, and/or complexity of the identified barriers.

Approved by:
PN Promotion Initiative workgroup
3/29/05
Revised
5/20/05