Transition experiences of adolescents and young adults working with a patient navigator

Daniella San Martin-Feeney; Sophie Samborn; Brooke Allemang; Megan Patton; Zoya Punjwani; Ken Pfister; Laurel Ryan; Gregory M.T. Guilcher; Lorraine Hamiwka; Scott Klarenbach; Eddy Lang; Kerry McBrien; Alberto Nettel-Aguirre; Danièle Pacaud; Jorge Pinzon; Shannon D. Scott; Lonnie Zwaigenbaum; Curtis Perrott; John Andersen; Gail Andrew; Andrew S. Mackie; Susan Samuel; Gina Dimitropoulos

Health Care Transitions (Jan 2025)

Transition experiences of adolescents and young adults working with a patient navigator

Daniella San Martin-Feeney,
Sophie Samborn,
Brooke Allemang,
Megan Patton,
Zoya Punjwani,
Ken Pfister,
Laurel Ryan,
Gregory M.T. Guilcher,
Lorraine Hamiwka,
Scott Klarenbach,
Eddy Lang,
Kerry McBrien,
Alberto Nettel-Aguirre,
Danièle Pacaud,
Jorge Pinzon,
Shannon D. Scott,
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum,
Curtis Perrott,
John Andersen,
Gail Andrew,
Andrew S. Mackie,
Susan Samuel,
Gina Dimitropoulos

Affiliations

Daniella San Martin-Feeney: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Sophie Samborn: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Brooke Allemang: Office of Patient, Family, and Community Engagement, Hospital for Sick Children, Calgary, Canada; Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Calgary, Canada; Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Canada
Megan Patton: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Zoya Punjwani: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Ken Pfister: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Laurel Ryan: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Gregory M.T. Guilcher: Section of Pediatric Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
Lorraine Hamiwka: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Scott Klarenbach: Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Eddy Lang: Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Kerry McBrien: Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Alberto Nettel-Aguirre: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Faculty of Engineering and Information Services, University of Wollongong, Australia
Danièle Pacaud: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Canada
Jorge Pinzon: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Shannon D. Scott: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Curtis Perrott: Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
John Andersen: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
Gail Andrew: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Andrew S. Mackie: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
Susan Samuel: Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Canada
Gina Dimitropoulos: Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Canada; Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Calgary, Canada; Correspondence to: Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW MacKimmie Tower 301, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 3
p. 100088

Abstract

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Introduction: The transition from pediatric to adult care poses challenges for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic conditions and their caregivers. A patient navigator (PN) intervention may mitigate transition-related barriers. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted within a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. A purposive sample was recruited of AYA with diverse diagnostic and demographic characteristics who worked with the PN and/or their caregivers. Seventeen participants completed semi-structured interviews at baseline and post-intervention and optional journal entries. Thematic analysis was used inductively. Results: Analysis yielded two themes from baseline interviews: 1) uncertainty and hesitation with leaving a place of support, 2) navigator assistance with post-secondary education, and three themes from post-intervention interviews: 1) emotional support, 2) informational and task-focused support, 3) navigator guidance to become more independent. Discussion: Our findings describe the needs of AYA and the experience of PN support; our findings may guide future implementation of PNs in transition care.

Published in Health Care Transitions

ISSN: 2949-9232 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/health-care-transitions

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