Crafting a policy-relevant research agenda for patient navigation in cancer care.

Journal:  Cancer, 117: 3563–3572. doi: 10.1002/cncr.26269
Authors: B. Ashleigh Guadagnolo MD, MPH, Daniel Dohan PhD, Peter Raich MD
Article first published online: 20 JUL 2011

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Racial and ethnic minorities as well as other vulnerable populations experience disparate cancer-related health outcomes. Patient navigation is an emerging health care delivery innovation that offers promise in improving quality of cancer care delivery to these patients who experience unique health-access barriers. Metrics are needed to evaluate whether patient navigation can improve quality of care delivery, health outcomes, and overall value in health care during diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

METHODS:
Information regarding the current state of the science examining patient navigation interventions was gathered via search of the published scientific literature. A focus group of providers, patient navigators, and health-policy experts was convened as part of the Patient Navigation Leadership Summit sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Key metrics were identified for assessing the efficacy of patient navigation in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS:
Patient navigation data exist for all stages of cancer care; however, the literature is more robust for its implementation during prevention, screening, and early diagnostic workup of cancer. Relatively fewer data are reported for outcomes and efficacy of patient navigation during cancer treatment. Metrics are proposed for a policy-relevant research agenda to evaluate the efficacy of patient navigation in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:
Patient navigation is understudied with respect to its use in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Core metrics are defined to evaluate its efficacy in improving outcomes and mitigating health-access barriers.

Asthma Action Plan for Adults and Children. An asthma action plan completion/instructions form is also included.

This flyer describes oral health for the diabetic.  It is in English and Spanish. 

This flyer describes depression and the steps to health living.  Available in Spanish and English. 

Are You Ready? provides a step-by-step approach to disaster preparedness by walking the reader through how to get informed about local emergency plans, how to identify hazards that affect their local area, and how to develop and maintain an emergency communications plan and disaster supplies kit. Other topics covered include evacuation, emergency public shelters, animals in disaster, and information specific to people with disabilities.

Are You Ready? also provides in-depth information on specific hazards including what to do before, during, and after each hazard type.

This link takes you directly to the full PDF document.

HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY. Every year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat, and some even die. These illnesses and deaths are preventable.

OSHA has now posted a new Heat Illness Web Page that includes educational materials in English and Spanish, including low-literacy fact sheets for workers, worksite and community posters, and a public service announcement from Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis.  The Web page also includes a video from Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels (in English with a Spanish transcript).  OSHA will be posting additional materials on the Heat Illness Web page, including a lesson plan that employers can use to train their workers to stay safe in the heat and a heat index Smartphone app. 

Developed by MCN with funding from the Texas Department of State Health Services. This resource provides a guideline for healthy foods to eat in a page-size poster illustrating healthy foods in the right amounts, at which times, which foods to limit. Available in Spanish and English.

https://www3.marshfieldclinic.org/nccrahs/default.aspx?page=nfmc_nccrahs_saghaf 

Seven guidelines in English and Spanish. Colorful, illustrated poster address supervisor responsibilities for ensuring work conditions are appropriate and adequate . Training and supervision tips, specific to teens and to each job, are provided. Developed by National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.

The Diabetes and Healthy Eyes Toolkit helps community health workers provide sight-saving information to people with diabetes. The Toolkit is available in Spanish and English and includes a:

• Diabetes and Healthy Eyes Flipchart to help community health workers educate people with diabetes about eye diseases in a small group setting.
• Diabetes and Healthy Eyes Module for background information and materials to assist community health workers in using the flipchart.
• Watch Out for Your Vision! Brochure to distribute to people with diabetes to educate them about eye disease and the importance of getting a dilated eye exam at least once a year.
• Medicare Benefits Card to promote the glaucoma and diabetic eye disease benefit under Medicare and inform the public about eligibility.
• Publications Order Form to obtain diabetic eye disease materials and resources for distributing to people in your community.
• Evaluation Form to share your thoughts and experiences using the Diabetes and Healthy Eyes Toolkit.
• CD-ROM with copies of the module, flipchart and handouts.

Additional materials include a:

• TRACK Diabetes Magnet (English only) to provide tips to people with diabetes about keeping their health on TRACK.
• Lo bello entra por los ojos...no deje que la diabetes cierre esa ventana (Beauty enters through the eyes. Don't let diabetes close the window.) Poster (Spanish only) to remind people with diabetes about receiving an annual dilated eye exam and offer tips about how to control diabetes.

Community health workers, educators and individuals from around the world use Where There Is No Dentist to help people care for their teeth and gums. This book's broad focus makes it an invaluable resource.

The author uses straightforward language and careful instructions to explain how to: examine patients; diagnose common dental problems; make and use dental equipment; use local anesthetics; place fillings; and remove teeth. There is also a special chapter on oral health and HIV/AIDS, which provides the dental worker with a detailed, well-illustrated discussion of the special problems faced by people living with HIV/AIDS, and appropriate treatment.

Program information for counties of Wicomico, Somerset, or Worcester residents. Supported by a Grant from the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Koman for the Cure this presentation outlines eligibility for the Koman Program, what the Koman Program provides, documentation, and who to refer clients to.

The Texas After Violence Project is an independent narrative and human rights project. They:

1. listen empathetically and without judgment to people directly touched by serious violence or other serious human rights violations, the criminal justice system, incarceration, and executions in Texas; 
2. digitally record and transcribe these narratives;
3. share the recordings and transcriptions to the extent, at the time, and in the manner to which individual narrators consent; so that we may
4. promote collective, critical, and constructive conversations in which communities develop more effective, just, and compassionate ways to both prevent and respond to violence.

They work toward a more just and less violent Texas: a society that recognizes and affirms the dignity and value of every human being.