The role of oncology nurse navigators in facilitating continuity of care within the diagnostic phase for adult patients with lung cancer

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the role of oncology nurse navigators (ONN) in facilitating continuity of care for adult lung cancer patients during the diagnostic phase of cancer care. Design: A phenomenological approach was used and involved semi-structured patient interviews and an oncology nurse navigators’ focus group. Results: Eight individuals participated, including four adult patients with lung cancer and four oncology nurse navigators. Themes regarding the organizational functions of the ONN role in facilitating continuity of care were identified: patient-focused care, needs assessments, shared decision-making, accessibility, and eliminating barriers. Conclusion: Awareness of the organizational functions of the ONN role could be used to create core areas of practice within nursing training modules to provide consistent and patient-centred continuity of care. Key words: nurse navigators, continuity of care, cancer, diagnostic phase