Patient navigators
Patient navigators (/ˈpeɪʃənt ˈnavɪˌgeɪtərs/), also known as healthcare navigators, are individuals who assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system. The term "patient navigator" is derived from the Latin "navigare", meaning "to sail, to navigate", and the Middle English "patient", meaning "one who suffers".
Role and Responsibilities
Patient navigators are responsible for guiding patients through the healthcare system, including scheduling appointments, coordinating healthcare services, providing emotional support, and helping patients understand their health insurance options. They work closely with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the care they need.
History
The concept of patient navigation was first introduced in the 1990s by Dr. Harold P. Freeman, a surgeon and public health advocate, to address the barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of cancer in low-income populations. Since then, the role of patient navigators has expanded to include a wide range of healthcare services.
Training and Certification
Patient navigators typically have a background in healthcare or social services. They may undergo specific training programs to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively guide patients through the healthcare system. Some organizations, such as the Patient Navigator Training Collaborative, offer certification programs for patient navigators.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Patient navigators
- Wikipedia's article - Patient navigators
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski