The role of patient navigation programs in early cancer care in Mexico: a multi-case qualitative study

TL;DR

This study explores patient navigation programs in Mexico and their role in early cancer care, highlighting their potential and challenges.

Contribution

The study provides a qualitative analysis of patient navigation programs in Mexico, where prior research is scarce.

Findings

Patient navigation programs in Mexico address barriers to early cancer care but often engage in activities misaligned with their goals.

The programs use diverse funding sources and operate across multiple healthcare levels, aiming to improve access and reduce wait times.

Theoretical frameworks and logic models are suggested to improve program implementation and impact assessment.

Abstract

In Mexico, academic publications on patient navigation are notably scarce. Thus, limited evidence in Mexico suggests that patient navigation programs (PNP) may play a promising role in early cancer care. The study’s aim is to identify and describe PNP in Mexico, particularly their role in early diagnosis and opportune treatment.

Through an exploratory qualitative cross-sectional case study design. Five different programs were identified using snowball sampling. Thematic guides were developed. Data were collected through funnel-shaped semi-structured interviews with patient navigation providers. After familiarizing with the identified themes, codes were generated inductively.

PNP in Mexico navigate 1 or multiple types of cancer patients, using heterogeneous sources of funding, navigate 1 or multiple levels of healthcare and from within or outside of the healthcare system; they aim to improve access to healthcare, address barriers, and reduce wait times. However, PNP often engage in activities that are not aligned with their objectives. In assessing their impact, disparities are not measured, and no data are collected at time intervals.

Using theoretical frameworks and logic models can support the implementation of new PNP, guide early diagnosis and treatment outcome measurement, and assess impact—ultimately helping ensure financial sustainability.

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