Trusted Communicators: The Role of Navigation Support in Improving Health and Health Care Access for American Indian Elders

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2024;35(1):246-263.

Abstract

Navigating health care and insurance systems presents significant challenges for American Indian (AI) Elders. Access to culturally congruent assistance with decision-making, scheduling, transportation, and communication can bridge the gap between AI Elders and health systems. This study uses qualitative interviews with professionals providing navigation services to American Indian Elders in a Southwestern state to understand the skills, experiences, and challenges involved in delivering this support. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 professionals providing navigation support to AI Elders between November 2018 and August 2020 and used a constant comparative approach to identify themes. Participants' descriptions of their work centered on the themes of (1) respect for Elders; (2) wide-ranging responsibilities; (3) acting as a trusted communicator; (4) developing trust; and (5) challenges to providing navigation support for AI Elders. Efforts to achieve health equity for AI Elders must include supporting individuals such as these within communities and advocating for a just health care system for American Indian people.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Communication
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Navigation* / organization & administration
  • Qualitative Research*
  • Southwestern United States
  • Trust*