217: Investigating the Impact of a Patient Navigation Program on Emotional Distress in Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer patients often experience significant emotional distress. Susan G. Komen’s patient navigation program uses a group of measurement tools including a modified version of the NCCN distress thermometer to capture experienced distress. As evaluators, we utilize these data to better understand the impact of patient navigation interventions on addressing emotional barriers. Distress screenings occur at intake, major care transitions, and case closure. Scores are compared to measure the program’s impact on four domains of distress. Barriers to care are documented and a survey is sent so that we can evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Through navigator interventions, emotional distress scores decreased an average of 16% (from 6.4 to 4.6). 84% of surveyed patients felt heard and supported by their navigator, 82% felt less anxious, and 74% reported using new problem-solving strategies. The distress scores and evaluation survey results highlight the navigation program’s effectiveness in reducing emotional distress and addressing barriers.

Shelby Lautner