A Culturally Informed Patient Navigation Program (CFPN) to Reduce Delays Between Diagnosis and Treatment in American Indian and Alaska Native Cancer Patients Living in Rural California

Study Summary

This clinical trial develops and tests whether a culturally informed patient navigation program, Community-Focused Patient Navigation (CFPN), works to reduce delays between diagnosis and treatment in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) cancer patients living in rural California. AIAN communities face some of the most severe cancer disparities in the United States, including higher death rates, later-stage diagnoses, and limited access to timely, culturally responsive care. This may be due to barriers such as rural isolation, divided referral systems, or a lack of trust in mainstream healthcare systems. Patient navigation is a care delivery model designed to guide a patient through the healthcare system and address the barriers that prevent patients from accessing timely and effective care. The CFPN program is culturally tailored and designed with AIAN communities in mind. The program provides the patient with a treatment plan based on the patient's unique needs, goals, and barriers. This may be an effective way to reduce delays between diagnosis and treatment in AIAN cancer patients living in rural California.

Primary Outcome

Will compare themes and emerging codes utilizing qualitative coding computer software. A report will summarize participant responses for each focus group and will be discussed with the Toiyabe Indian Health Program (THIP) co-principal investigator (Co-PI) and staff prior to sharing with the Community Advisory Board (CAB) members.

Interventions

• OTHER Educational Intervention
• OTHER Electronic Health Record Review
• OTHER Discussion
• OTHER Interview