SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS, EMPOWERED PATIENTS: THE VITAL ROLE OF ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATORS FROM INPATIENT TO OUTPATIENT CANCER CARE.
Significance & Background: Absence of oncology nurse navigators (ONNs) in inpatient oncology led to coordination lapses and diminished patient experience. ONNs improve satisfaction, survivorship planning, and reduce readmissions, their role in bridging inpatient-to-outpatient transitions is less stu...
| Published in: | Oncology Nursing Forum Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 142 - 144 |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Published: |
Oncology Nursing Society
Mar2026
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| Online Access: | View this record in EBSCOhost |
| fields | @attributes: recordID: 1 pdfLink: plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=194211363&site=ehost-live header: @attributes: shortDbName: ccm uiTerm: 194211363 longDbName: CINAHL Complete uiTag: AN controlInfo: bkinfo: dissinfo: jinfo: jid: 0190535X 4F0 jtl: Oncology Nursing Forum issn: 0190535X maglogo: N pubinfo: dt: Mar2026 vid: 53 iid: 2 pid: 12496 pub: Oncology Nursing Society place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania artinfo: ui: 194211363 10.1188/26.ONF.e26535271 194211363 ppf: 142 ppct: 2 formats: fmt: @attributes: type: P tig: atl: SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS, EMPOWERED PATIENTS: THE VITAL ROLE OF ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATORS FROM INPATIENT TO OUTPATIENT CANCER CARE. aug: au: Estevez, Idalmi Hernandez Hernandez, Anabel affil: BSN, RN, South Miami Baptist Health Hospital, South Miami, FL sug: ab: Significance & Background: Absence of oncology nurse navigators (ONNs) in inpatient oncology led to coordination lapses and diminished patient experience. ONNs improve satisfaction, survivorship planning, and reduce readmissions, their role in bridging inpatient-to-outpatient transitions is less studied. This project explores ONNs integration to address continuity, quality, and outcomes in cancer care. Purpose: The purpose of this planning abstract is to develop an evidence-based ONNs program to bridge care coordination gaps and support seamless inpatient-to-outpatient transitions. The project also provides recommendations and evidence-based strategies to improve institutional cancer care processes, addressing the question of how ONNs can enhance transitional care. Interventions: A structured evidence review was con-ducted using PubMed, CINAHL, ONS, and PMC's clinical resources. Eligible studies, published within the past five years, examined ONNs interventions related to patient satisfaction, readmissions, and care continuity. Studies included sample sizes ranging from 150 to 825 patients in hospital settings. Data were extracted on outcomes assessed through validated survey instruments, readmission tracking, and care delivery consistency. Completion and response rates were included when available, with most reporting high survey participation. An implementation science framework guided analysis of ONNs integration in inpatient-to-outpatient transitions. Results: Across studies with 150-825 participants, survey response rates were high (82-95%), with few discontinuations reported, mostly due to clinical factors. ONNs consistently improved satisfaction, empowerment, and comprehension of post-treatment care. Madu & Ajibade (2025) reported reduced readmissions by 10-15% (P < 0.05). Yoo et al. (2024) demonstrated greater survivorship plan use and improved continuity. Marsall et al. (2024) found better health status (B = 0.74, p < 0.001) and fewer medication complications (B = -0.35, p < 0.01), though no significant impact on readmissions (p = 0.39). Discussion: ONNs are essential to improve outcomes, empowerment, satisfaction, and continuity during inpatient-to-outpatient transitions. Pilot implementation should include staff hiring, education, and ongoing evaluation through satisfaction surveys and readmission monitoring. This project addresses gaps in transitional care and suggests future research on scalability, long-term outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. pubtype: Academic Journal doctype: Journal Article ougenre: Article language: English refInfo: holdings: @attributes: islocal: N |
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