What is a significant concern for patient navigators regarding patient consent?

Obtaining patient consent is a crucial aspect of the patient navigator's role. When patient navigators seek consent before making referrals, they ensure respect for patients' autonomy and rights. This process involves informing patients about the nature of the referral, what it entails, and how their information will be used. By prioritizing consent, navigators build trust and facilitate open communication, which enhances patient engagement and adherence to recommended care pathways.

In contrast, the other options are misleading or inaccurate. The idea that consent is unimportant for most referrals undermines the ethical obligation to inform patients and make shared decisions regarding their healthcare. Suggesting that consent is only necessary for financial matters ignores the broader legal and ethical requirements surrounding patient privacy and information sharing in medical contexts. The notion that patients rarely need to be informed is contrary to the principles of patient-centered care, which emphasize the importance of providing patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.