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The healthcare system today is very complex, with multiple entry points and numerous service providers. Patient Navigation has emerged as a valuable approach to address these complexities. First pioneered in cancer care, the patient navigation approach is now being applied to other areas of the health system.
The overall goal of the Collaborative’s Patient Navigation initiative is to improve the cardiac journey for patients and healthcare practitioners alike.
This will be done by:
- Coordinating access to care
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Triaging patients according to urgency
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Standardizing referral processes
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Facilitating the transition of patients between caregivers and service areas
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Increasing patient preparedness
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Decreasing duplication of services
Each jurisdiction is implementing Patient Navigation solutions that address the issues they face regarding access. These solutions range from establishing a dedicated Navigation Clinic to using navigation resources to assist existing programs such as STEMI.
Our Model
The Alberta Cardiac Access Collaborative’s Patient Navigation Initiative is established around two primary nodes (North and South) that connect to participating regional navigation centers, Primary Care Networks (PCNs), primary care providers and specialists. Each node operates with RN cardiac patient navigators, consulting cardiologists and support staff.
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