Dados do Trabalho

Título

THE ROLE AND CONTRIBUTION OF PSYCHOLOGY IN THE NAVIGATION OF ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

Introdução

Patient navigation (PN) is a model of care in which a professional helps the patients overcome difficulties during their treatment. Although established in oncology, the profession does not have regulation and the training varies on each program. There is missing data about navigators’ formation, but in a literature review, nurses were the most prevalent professionals. Since cancer patients can feel more imbued in expressing feelings, understanding and coping with the disease, a psychologist could also be capable of navigating.

Objetivo

Explore and recognize PN within the field of psychology.

Método

A psychology student was selected for the project “Role of PN in improving time to start and finish radiotherapy (RT) in patients treated by the public health system in Belo Horizonte”. Questionnaires to identify obstacles for the treatment were applied and a training granted by the Global Cancer Institute (GCI) guided the navigation.

Resultado

From July 2018 to January 2020, 73 patients that needed RT were closely guided by weekly contacts, receiving help with documentation, appointment schedules and information about their rights. Patients came from all over the state, with a huge heterogeneity. Common points were difficulties in transportation, dialogue and family support. In all patients, levels of anxiety and stress were identified, also observed in caregivers. As the treatment proceeded, there was a decrease in these levels (measured through questionnaires), with high rates of patient satisfaction with the navigator role (≥9/10 for all the patients).

Conclusão

Beyond the clinical care, the psychologist may exert other roles in an oncological team. This emphasizes the importance of psycho-oncology in core education as well as a new field of specialization, due to its unique way of aiding patients’ insecurities. In addition to initial training for skill development , the presence of an experienced and accessible institution as GCI is important to make navigators feel empowered and secure to perform their role.

Palavras-chave

psychology; navigation; oncology patients