What contributes to building trust between a patient and a navigator?

Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive health information is crucial in establishing trust between a patient and a navigator. When patients feel assured that their personal and health information is protected, they are more likely to share openly and honestly. This openness fosters a supportive environment where the patient feels valued and understood, which is essential for effective navigation and coordination of care. Trust enhances communication, enabling the navigator to help the patient more effectively navigate their healthcare journey.

In contrast, regular follow-ups without patient consent can lead to feelings of discomfort or intrusion, which diminishes trust. Limiting patient engagement in discussions can make patients feel undervalued or disregarded, eroding trust further. Providing frequent medical advice, while potentially helpful, can come across as overstepping the navigator's role, which could risk the patient's trust if they perceive the navigator as encroaching on the responsibilities of healthcare providers.