Core Competencies for an Oncology Patient Navigator-Certified Generalist: Patient Care:
- Facilitate patient-centered care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of cancer and the promotion of health
- Assist patients in accessing cancer care and navigating healthcare systems. Assess barriers to care and engage patients and families in creating potential solutions to financial, practical, and social challenges
- Identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to patient needs (practical, social, physical, emotional, spiritual), taking into consideration reading level, health literacy, culture, language, and amount of information desired. For physical concerns, emotional needs, or clinical information, refer to licensed clinicians
- Educate patients and caregivers on the multidisciplinary nature of cancer treatment, the roles of team members, and what to expect from the healthcare system. Provide patients and caregivers evidence-based information, and refer to clinical staff to answer questions about clinical information, treatment choices, and potential outcomes
- Empower patients to communicate their preferences and priorities for treatment to their healthcare team; facilitate shared decision-making in the patient's healthcare
- Empower patients to participate in their wellness by providing self-management and health promotion resources and referrals
- Follow up with patients to support adherence to an agreed-upon treatment plan through continued nonclinical barrier assessment and referrals to supportive resources in collaboration with the clinical team
