Using Patient Navigators to Help Adults with Sickle Cell Disease Obtain a Primary Care Home

Abstract

Objective

To describe the development and implementation of a patient navigation program to help individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) overcome barriers to finding adult primary care.

Methods

Six patient navigators were recruited and received training. A workgroup was formed to clarify goals and objectives and develop standard procedures. Navigators were instrumental in establishing a network of primary care offices that were willing to accept new patients with SCD. Navigators assisted patients in making calls to primary care offices and in some cases would attend appointments with them.

Results

About two-thirds of patients who were referred to the navigator program for primary care follow-up attended an initial appointment with a new primary care provider.

Conclusion

Patient navigation is a feasible and useful strategy to help individuals with SCD overcome barriers to receiving comprehensive care.