2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P2.04B.09 A Qualitative Evaluation of the Critical Role of Lung Cancer Screening Program Navigators

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This document summarizes a study examining the role of lung cancer screening program navigators in Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Centers across the U.S. The study, conducted between December 2020 and September 2021, was a qualitative, observational research based on interviews from 10 VA sites including Atlanta, Cleveland, Denver, and others. The study was funded by several entities including the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and involved various healthcare professionals within the VA system, focusing on how navigators impact lung cancer screening programs.<br /><br />The study found that navigators, who facilitate processes like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening, play a critical role in enhancing program outcomes. Their leadership, training, and teamwork capabilities were deemed crucial. It highlighted the importance of tailoring navigator roles to local contexts as lung cancer screening programs evolve, whether they are centralized or decentralized models.<br /><br />Key findings indicate that navigators improve LDCT utilization and patient experiences, contributing significantly to positive outcomes. Notably, the study underscored that without navigators, programs could falter, indicating their necessity. The effectiveness of navigators in roles such as shared decision-making, patient referrals, and tracking was emphasized, signifying the need for adequate staffing to manage growing program demands.<br /><br />The research used frameworks like RE-AIM, CFIR, and Health Systems Science to guide planning, evaluation, and understanding of the navigator's role within the program. Feedback from program directors underscored the navigators as essential, with many noting their roles in teamwork and communication as key to successful program operations.<br /><br />Overall, the study highlights the pivotal contribution of navigators to lung cancer screening programs' effectiveness and sustainability, suggesting further exploration into the navigator role to optimize and adapt to different healthcare settings.

Asset Subtitle

Lucy Spalluto

Meta Tag

Speaker Lucy Spalluto

Topic Screening & Early Detection

Keywords

lung cancer screening

VA Medical Centers

navigators

LDCT utilization

qualitative research

healthcare professionals

program outcomes

RE-AIM framework

patient experiences

navigator roles