Trial of Patient Navigation-Activation

The University of Rochester, Department of Family Medicine, funded by the National Cancer Institute will train community health workers to guide patients through the cancer care system. The project will help to teach patients how to communicate more effectively with their health care team in order to understand the treatment options available to them. Although not widely available, it is believed patient navigation programs are beneficial.
This research study will evaluate how well this tool works, especially among those who experience disparities in health care. The goal is to determine if having a trained navigator shortens the time between an abnormal test result and a definitive diagnosis and between a definitive diagnosis and completion of treatment for breast and colorectal cancer patients. The project also will evaluate whether navigation improves the ability to communicate with the doctor, patient satisfaction with care and quality of life.