Development and Evaluation of a Navigation Program for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

암을 처음 진단받은 환자를 위한 신환 네비게이션 프로그램 개발 및 효과 평가

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to develop a navigation program for newly diagnosed cancer patients and to evaluate its effects. Methods: The navigation program was based upon Professional Navigation Framework. Patients were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires on satisfaction, distress, anxiety and depression for evaluating the program. Results: The navigation program consisted of facilitating two concepts: continuity of care and empowerment of patients. Information-education package, telephone counseling and navigator's phone number were provided to the newly diagnosed cancer patients for care continuity. Self-care diary and emotional support by telephone counseling were provided to the patients for empowerment of patients. A total of 163 patients - 78 control and 85 experimental participants - were included in the study. The mean scores of satisfaction, distress, anxiety and depression had no statistical differences between the two groups after program implementation. In patients with longer waiting days, the experimental group with the navigation program showed higher relational continuity than the control group after program implementation(p=.023). In patients with longer waiting days or with higher distress, satisfaction of relational continuity was improved after program implementation in the experimental group. Conclusion: The navigation program in this study has applied the concept of patient navigation into oncology clinical setting in Korea. Navigation program can play a significant role in assisting patients navigating across the care continuum.