This useful article from the National Comprehensive Cancer Center discusses cancer navigation options and defines different types of assistance that may be available. Patient Navigator LLC is featured as a resource. The article describes ways that navigators and case managers can help, including eliminating barriers to treatment, and it suggests other sources of support.
The National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (www.nahac.com) held a successful inaugural conference November 14-15 in Berkeley, California.
As a former diplomat, I’ve always loved the phrase associated with our post-war Secretary of State Dean Acheson – to be “present at the creation.”
This is exactly how we all felt this weekend – to be present at the creation of an important organization leading the way for for our new profession. We participated in two intense days of workshops, networking and strategic planning. Our next conference will be held in Washington, D.C. in November 2010.
The National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC) is designed to bring together under a professional umbrella the many individuals now working around the country as navigators and advocates. One of our intial goals is to develop a code of ethics and to build business and professional resources. The other key goal of the Association will be to provide a clear voice and reasoned opinions on policy matters related to navigating the healthcare system, patient advocacy and health care reform. As health care reform winds its way through the Congress, the Association will be vigilant about the many forthcoming changes so that we can continue to help the families we work with find their way through the system to achieve the best possible outcomes.
As I’ve described in previous posts, the emerging field of patient navigation and patient advocacy has burst onto the scene in 2009. Advocates and navigators work to fill the glaring gaps in the U.S. healthcare delivery system which is fragmented, confusing, expensive, and inefficient. Since 2005, my company Patient Navigator LLC has been helping families solve problems, navigate the complexities of the American healthcare system and benefit from an integrative approach to treatment and recovery. Now as Vice President of the NAHAC, I look forward to helping chart the course for our new profession. To learn more, please visit www.nahac.com