What is a primary goal of patient navigation?

The primary goal of patient navigation is to facilitate communication between patients and medical teams. Effective communication is crucial in healthcare, especially for patients dealing with complex diagnoses like cancer. Navigators help bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and what to expect throughout their care journey. This role involves listening to patients' concerns, providing information, answering questions, and ensuring that patients feel supported in their healthcare decisions.

While managing medications, providing financial assistance, and arranging transportation are important services provided in the context of patient care, they are secondary to the overarching aim of enhancing communication. This patient-centered communication fosters trust, encourages adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately leads to better health outcomes by empowering patients to be active participants in their own care.