Patient navigators actively take part in care coordination. At what point is patient navigation especially important?

Patient navigation plays a crucial role in care coordination, particularly at points of transition in a patient's healthcare journey. Transitions can occur when a patient moves from one stage of care to another, such as moving from diagnosis to treatment, or from hospital care to outpatient follow-up. During these critical junctures, patients often face increased uncertainty, complexity in managing their health, and the need for clear communication among various healthcare providers.

The navigator's involvement ensures that patients receive comprehensive support and information, facilitating smoother transitions and helping to prevent gaps in care or misunderstandings about treatment plans. Effective navigation during these times can lead to improved continuity of care, enhancing patient understanding and adherence to their treatment pathways.

While treatment decisions, physical activity recommendations, and nutrition planning are all important aspects of a patient's journey, and navigators may support patients in these areas, the period of transition is particularly significant due to the heightened risk of patients feeling overwhelmed or confused, which can impact their overall care experience and outcomes.