Benefits of nurse-performed oncology patient navigation: An integrative review

Abstract

Patient navigation is a way to guide the patient throughout the health system, in this way, he will have a trained and reference professional so that he can guide him in all the steps that are necessary. Objective: To report the benefits of nursing navigation to cancer patients. Method: Integrative review of the literature. Results: 5 articles were selected from the BdENF, LILACS and PUBMED databases. The elaboration of a navigation program based on George Washington's model for Brazil resulted in a model that can be widely used in all spheres of the Unified and Complementary Health System. In this sense, this adaptation was able to adapt the needs of patients to the reality of cancer care in Brazil. In addition, 2 instruments were created to guide patients about their treatment. These are the informative and the Patient's Diary, which has become a means of health education for both the patient and their families, thus making it possible to have access to everything related to the disease and its treatment. In addition, it was noticed that in order to achieve results in patient navigation, it is necessary for these nurses to be aware of the skills they need to have, since the professional will be responsible for directing and caring for them. Conclusion: Nursing navigation is a little-known care model, but it is very effective in the treatment of cancer patients. In addition to helping patients and families navigate the health system and learn about their disease, it enables the improvement of their emotional state, bringing more confidence, hope and willingness to continue treatment. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of implementing this care in hospital settings today.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.005-007