Ana Natale?Pereira|Kimberly R. Enard|Lucinda Nevarez|Lovell A. Jones
The role of patient navigators in eliminating health disparities
Office of Minority Health|The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center|Office of Minority Health|The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center|Office of Minority Health|The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
abstract despite many important efforts increase equity us health care system americans equal access health careor similar health outcomes goal lowering costs increasing accessibility health care nations new health care reform legislation includes certain provisions expand health insurance coverage uninsured underinsured populations promote medical homes support coordination care provisions may help narrow existing health care disparities many vulnerable patients however may continue difficulty accessing navigating complex us health care delivery system article explores unique role patient navigation play improving health outcomes racial ethnic minorities well underserved populations context changing healthcare environment patient navigators facilitate improved health care access quality underserved populations advocacy care coordination also address deeprooted issues related distrust providers health system often lead avoidance health problems noncompliance treatment recommendations addressing many disparities associated language cultural differences barriers patient navigators foster trust empowerment within communities serve specific patient navigator activities discussed metrics evaluate program efforts presented cancer 201111715 suppl354150 2011 american cancer society