The Development of Korean Patient Navigator Education Program for the Neglected Class of Breast Cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to build up a Korean patient navigator education program for the neglected class of breast cancer. Delphi method was carried out three times to verify contents of educational program and the survey was conducted with 18 experts who are fully experienced of doctor, nurse, social worker or educator. First, our results demonstrate that the objectives of Navigation Program were derived through several themes such as ‘Recognize the importance of breast cancer screening’, ‘Increase the breast cancer screening’, ‘Identify and remove treatment barriers’ ‘Patient’s psychological anxiety reduction’. Second, 45 navigators’ tasks to achieve the objectives were identified. Third, required training subjects, training time, trainer qualification and training method of performing navigation were also identified. Core contents of Korean patient navigator education program include ‘Overview of Cancer navigation program’, ‘Understanding the breast cancer’, ‘Understanding the cancer care disparity’, ‘Patient interview and the assessment’, ‘Communication skills’, ‘Goal setting and intervention skills’. This Delphi study is meaningful in that our findings derived core contents for a substantial Korean patient navigator education program to reduce health disparities in cancer survivorship research.