"Somebody That can Meet you on Your Level:" Cancer Survivors' Perspectives on the Role of Indigenous Patient Navigators in Cancer Care.
Gary Groot, José Diego Marques Santos, Stephanie Witham and 2 others
PMID 38373404WHAT IT FOUND
First Nations and Métis cancer survivors said Indigenous patient navigators could help by translating medical terms, coordinating travel and appointments, advocating, and linking them to family, community, traditional care, and Indigenous health supports.
Key findings
01Survivors reported barriers including communication and language problems, logistical delays, cultural differences, financial costs, and gaps in care.
02Survivors identified family, community, traditional ways, and First Nations and Métis health support services as supports.
03Participants reported potential Indigenous patient navigator benefits: medical interpretation, translation, coordination, advocacy, and education.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Participants could recall experiences from up to ten years, so details may be incomplete. Only 19 survivors were interviewed, so the themes cannot show how common these experiences are. The sample was too small to separate the experiences of people currently in treatment from those who had finished treatment. The study was done in Saskatchewan, where cancer navigation programs are lacking, so it may not apply where navigation already exists. Results were reported with a pan-Indigenous approach, so unique Métis and First Nations needs may be missed. Two participants preferred not to be recorded, so their perspectives were captured from notes rather than transcripts.
Declared interests
Funding was from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation grant 4518. The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these themes as evidence that Indigenous patient navigators improve cancer outcomes. The study interviewed 19 survivors in Saskatchewan, used qualitative analysis, and did not test a navigation program or measure outcomes.