Nurses as Navigators: Prevention and Control of Non -Communicable Disease

Abstract

Navigators, “The heart of navigation is personalized care” which applies to patients, families, and caregivers. Nurse Navigators focus first & foremost on the clinical aspects of care. Nurse navigator can make a significant contribution to health reform by working towards patient-centered care where in patients receive timely, seamless, culturally appropriate guidance and support for developing health literacy. It has the system knowledge & access, clinical skills and time to understand each person’s needs and to partner with them to develop a plan of care that addresses their health needs and respects & values their time and circumstances. It also contributes to health system improvement by improving access, equity, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of health services. These improvements are most notable during transitions from acute to continuing care, where the nurse navigator can also be instrumental in achieving better service integration. The nurse navigator offer a unique service for the provision of quality care.