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Over the last 18 months, 13 patient navigators across the province have navigated over 5000 patients to the appropriate cardiac service through patient sites in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Calgary, Camrose, Red Deer, Edmonton and Fort McMurray.
The navigation models operate using various patient navigation frameworks customized to meet the patient needs in their area and based on the area’s available resources. The patient navigation models address the different issues across the cardiac continuum of care and vary from dedicated Patient Navigation Clinics to using navigation resources to assist existing programs such as STEMI (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction).
The Central Project Management Team has, together with key stakeholders from the participating Patient Navigation sites, developed a comprehensive inventory of cardiac services available throughout Alberta. Some Patient Navigation sites have developed navigation pathways and triage guidelines.
Some highlights include:
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Patient navigators are able to act as an excellent resource for patients who have any questions, concerns or require further education regarding their cardiac condition.
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A collaborative network has started to develop between the patient navigators across the province. The navigators are working together to ensure that the patients do not “fall through the cracks”.
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Referring practitioners have a streamlined referral process for their patients who require access to urgent and planned cardiac care.
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The co-ordination of services has improved, resulting in less travel for patients.
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In some cases, a more streamlined, efficient, quicker process for patients has not only shortened wait times but has also resulted in a reduction in multiple procedures for the patient.
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The development of care pathways in several models has increased the continuity of care throughout the patient journey.
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