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Module 3: Patient navigator roles & responsibilities
An effective patient navigator is a:
Creative problem solver
Patient navigators find creative solutions to patient barriers. Some patients utilize commonly used services, but others have unique needs that require initiative and creative thinking to locate the appropriate resource. For example, Spanish translation services are common in Colorado, whereas a Cantonese translator may be more difficult to locate.
Knowledgeable resource
Be sensitive to information overload.
While it’s important that patients stay informed, be sensitive to patients’ need for information and try not to overwhelm them with too much information.
To be a reliable source of information for patients, navigators must:
- Stay informed of changes in the healthcare organization
- Seek current information about available patient resources
- Maintain current disease information for patients
Organized information manager
Patient navigators manage and track a large amount of information. Patient profiles, appointments and interactions are just a few things navigators need to track and, by law, this information must be kept confidential and secure. It is important that navigators stay organized and use a systematic approach to information management.
Stay organized: Find a system that works for you.
To organize patient information, coordinate care, or track “to do” items, be sure to use a system that works for you. Some tools that can keep you on track are:
- A bound calendar with space to keep notes
- A tickler system to remind you of important dates as they come up (try using index cards or your computer’s calendar feature)
- Files for each patient
- Classes on time management (check to see what your institution offers)
- A system for keeping patient information private
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