Lay navigator model for impacting cancer health disparities.

This paper recounts experiences, challenges, and lessons learned when implementing a lay patient navigator program to improve cancer care among medically underserved patients who presented in a primary care clinic with a breast or colorectal cancer abnormality. The program employed five lay navigators to navigate 588 patients. Central programmatic elements were the following: (1) use of bilingual lay navigators with familiarity of communities they served; (2) provision of training, education, and supportive activities; (3) multidisciplinary clinical oversight that factored in caseload intensity; and (4) well-developed partnerships with community clinics and social service entities.

A cluster randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of patient navigation in improving quality of diagnostic care for patients with breast or colorectal cancer abnormalities.

Background: This study examines efficacy of a lay patient navigation (PN) program aimed to reduce time between a cancer abnormality and definitive diagnosis among racially/ethnically diverse and medically underserved populations of Tampa Bay, Florida.

Methods: Using a cluster randomized design, the study consisted of 11 clinics (six navigated; five control). Patients were navigated from time of a breast or colorectal abnormality to diagnostic resolution, and to completion of cancer treatment.

Diagnostic resolution of cancer screening abnormalities at community health centers.

Background: Few studies have examined timeliness of diagnostic evaluation of abnormal cancer screening tests in community health centers.

Methods: Using medical record review, timeliness of diagnosis was assessed among 317 people having either breast or colorectal-related abnormalities.

Results: For 241 subjects (76.

Estimating maternal mortality in Monseñor Nouel Province, Dominican Republic.

Objectives: Maternal deaths are estimated by the World Health Organization at over 500,000 annually. Various methods of calculating mortality ratios have been utilized throughout the world, but many are inaccurate. The purpose of this study was to measure maternal mortality by using a sibling survivorship survey and by recording and tracking death certificates.