This study focuses on improving how patient navigators (PNs) help people get cancer care in Chicago. The goal is to reduce differences in cancer outcomes between communities by tackling common challenges like language barriers, difficulty understanding health information, and trouble accessing care.
The program is based on priorities identified by community partners, including:
* Expanding patient navigation services so more people can use them
* Making information easier to understand and available in different languages
* Improving communication between patients and healthcare providers by sharing patient feedback
At the individual patient level, navigators will help people overcome obstacles (like scheduling, transportation, or understanding instructions). This support is expected to help patients complete important steps in their care, such as:
* Getting screened for cancer
* Following up on abnormal test results
* Starting treatment on time
