When making a referral to a community-based organization, what should the patient navigator do first?

When making a referral to a community-based organization, the first step a patient navigator should take is to ask about any eligibility requirements for the resource. Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial because it ensures that the referral is appropriate and meets the patient's needs. Different organizations may have specific requirements based on factors like income, residency, age, or type of medical condition.

By starting with this step, the navigator can avoid unnecessary delays and frustrations for the patient. If the patient does not meet the eligibility requirements of the organization, referring them could lead to wasted time and effort for both the patient and the organization. This proactive approach ensures that the navigator can provide the most relevant and effective resources to support the patient’s care and needs.

The other choices, while potentially important in the referral process, do not prioritize a key factor which can influence the success of the referral. Preparing a summary of the patient's clinical history is valuable but should come after confirming that the organization can accept the patient. Referring only to organizations with a formal application process might limit options unnecessarily, and providing the patient’s phone number without context or permission could violate privacy protocols.