What is a key outcome measure for evaluating patient navigation effectiveness?

Patient satisfaction and health outcomes improvement serve as key outcome measures for evaluating the effectiveness of patient navigation. This focus underscores the primary goal of navigation, which is to enhance the overall experience of patients and lead to better health results. By assessing patient satisfaction, healthcare providers can gauge how well navigators support patients in accessing services, understanding their treatment options, and feeling empowered in their healthcare journey.

Furthermore, improvements in health outcomes—such as reduced hospital readmission rates, increased adherence to treatment plans, or enhanced quality of life—demonstrate the tangible benefits of patient navigation. When patients feel satisfied with the care they receive and experience measurable health improvements, it indicates that the navigation process is effectively addressing their needs and overcoming barriers to care.

In contrast, while the cost of services rendered, the number of referrals made, and the time taken to complete the navigation process can offer valuable information about the operational aspects of the navigation program, they do not directly measure the success of navigation in terms of patient-centered outcomes. Hence, focusing on patient satisfaction and health improvements reflects the core objective of patient navigation: optimizing the patient experience and achieving better health results.