1. Navigating Breast Cancer Patients  By: Jennifer Campos RN, BSN, OCN, CBPN-IC

2. Navigation began…..  In 1990 by Dr. Harold P Freeman in Harlem.  Why?  Because of obstacles faced in accessing care:  Financial barriers (lack of insurance, underinsured)  Logistic barriers (lack of transportation, living far from healthcare providers, lack of follow-up care, lack of understandable cancer information.  Sociocultural barriers (limited support, unable to understand information).

4. Patient Population  Referred from: Family physicians, Obgyn, surgeons, urgent care centers, NP’s, area outreach (Amarillo Area of Breast Health Coalition)  Ages from 24 to late 90s.  Women and men

5. Great Efforts for Detection What do we do when Breast Cancer is diagnosed???

6. Once Diagnosed Obtain medical history and family history Additional diagnostic tests evaluated Referrals made: Medical Oncologist Radiation Oncologist Surgeon Cardiologist (at times)

7. Demands on the Healthcare System  Timely information  Treatments  Available resources  Better communication  Emotional support

8. Bridge Community Partner  We serve to be “supportive guides”  We hold their hands  Encourage their steps  At times we wipe their tears

9. Navigation Purpose  Break through the barriers.  Identify individual needs  Reduce delays in accessing care  Comprehensive assessment (mental, medical, and social)  Provide-support and education  Advocate  Provide community resources  Address survivorship- there is life after cancer.  Coordinator

10. Navigation is to Close the Gap “What is my purpose?”  Not to redirect care  Reduce fear and anxiety with education  Gain trust by being truthful  Address the elephant in the room “death”  Allow any emotion  Comfort with time, touch, and eye contact.

11. Breaking Through Barriers  Listen without judgment (brainstorm out loud)  Encourage them to stay involved  Never give false hope  Truth with compassion  Give them hope (medical advancement)

12. Our Area’s Breakthroughs  Women Events  Wise Women  Hablando  Walmart  Pink Event- Hereford  County Extention – Health fairs  Additional Fundings for detection:  CPRIT Grant  Komen  BCCS  Small local hospital contribution

13. Reach out further  Medical Assistance:  Hospital/clinic payment plans  Co-pay assistance  Drug assistance  oncologyRX (oral and IV chemo therapies)  Drug companies  Foundations  Panhandle Cancer Cure Foundation  211  League House  ACS  Living Beyond Cancer

14. Future  By 2015 patient navigation will become the standard of care for all cancer programs accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) –Swanson, Jay. Oncology Issues. “Growing a Navigation Program”. July-August 2012.