The Impact of Patient Navigation: A Scoping Review

by Poppy Jackson, Dr. Amy Reid, Dr. Shelley Doucet, Dr. Alison Luke and Eve Justason

Abstract: Patient navigation (PN) is growing in popularity as a method of improving health care delivery by providing a primary point of contact for individuals with unique needs and barriers to care. The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize the evidence on the impact of PN for all populations across all settings.  We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. We considered all references which evaluated a partnership between a patient, family, or member(s) of the care team and a patient navigator for inclusion. Once relevant studies were identified, data was extracted, analyzed, and synthesized.   A total of 237 studies met the inclusion criteria. PN programs utilized both professional and lay navigators and served a variety of populations, such as cancer-related populations, individuals with mental illnesses, medically underserved groups, individuals with chronic illnesses, and pediatric populations. The majority of programs aimed to improve timeliness of care; address barriers to care; facilitate access to services and resources; provide support, guidance, and education; and improve patient experience with care. Impacts were overwhelmingly positive, with studies reporting decreased wait times; increased screening and diagnostic testing rates, satisfaction with care, and adherence to/engagement in care; improved quality of life outcomes and service utilization; and reduced barriers/improved access to care, among other outcomes.  Our results demonstrate that PN is increasingly being employed as an effective method of improving health service delivery and has a positive impact on patient outcomes and experiences.