Objectives: To assess the efficacy of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center's (UNMCCC's) breast cancer nurse navigator (BCNN) program in addressing gaps in cancer care for an underserved, rural, and economically disadvantaged population.
Sample & setting: 54 navigated patients under the care of the BCNN and 32 non-navigated patients whose care began prior to the start of the program.
Methods & variables: Surveys were administered anonymously to patients during regularly scheduled appointments at UNMCCC.
Results: Navigated patients more strongly agreed that they were prepared for the beginning of treatment and that calls were returned promptly, and showed a decreased desire for an after-treatment summary compared to non-navigated patients.
Implications for nursing: Navigated patients report better understanding of and engagement with the healthcare system when assisted by a BCNN during breast cancer treatment with curative intent, as well as desire fewer services than non-navigated peers, indicating greater satisfaction.
Keywords: breast cancer; nurse navigator; patient satisfaction; socioeconomic status; utilization.