Patient navigators are usually trained, culturally sensitive health care workers who provide support and guidance throughout the patient’s care (National Cancer Institute, 2009). There is no one common definition of patient navigators. Healthcare navigators include trained social workers, community health workers nurses and nurse practitioners as well as trained laypersons, who may be full-time employees or volunteers. Most patient navigators work on reducing disparities in cancer outcomes. They are increasingly used for underserved individuals at risk for or with cancer. They guide patients and their families along the maze of doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, insurance and payment systems, patient-support organizations, and other components of the health care system encountered during the cancer journey. Services provided by patient navigators are designed to support timely delivery of quality standard cancer care and ensure that patients, survivors, and families are satisfied with their encounters with the cancer care system (Institute for Alternative Future, 2007). Some of the services provided include:
• Coordinating appointment to ensure timely delivery of services,
• Providing literature and education on coping with cancer, what to expect during chemotherapy and radiation, and dealing with side effects of treatment
• Facilitating communication and follow-up services,
• Helping with paperwork,
• Ensuring that appropriate medical records are available at scheduled appointments,
• Arranging services such as financial support, transportation, medication needs, home health care, rehabilitative care, interpretation services, and other concerns,
• Community outreach services,
• Providing access to clinical trials,
• Providing referral to support groups, classes, and other programs for information and support,
• Providing a