Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Piloting First Nations Cancer Navigators in Queensland Hospitals     (#60)

Gail Garvey 1 , Doreen Tapsall 2 , Jennifer Faulkner 3 , Glen Kennedy 4 , Damian Topp 5 , Lara Stoll 6 , Sharon Avery 3 , Michael Smith 4 , Raymond Chan 7
  1. School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  2. Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
  3. Cairns Hospital, Cairns
  4. Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane
  5. PA Research Foundation, Brisbane
  6. School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  7. Flinders University, Adelaide

Aim: Healthcare systems are complex and as a result patients may experience fragmentation of services. First Nations cancer patients experience increasingly disproportionate health disparities compared to non-Indigenous populations. Patient navigation is a strategy for overcoming barriers to reduce disparities and to improve access and outcomes. The cultural needs and barriers to First Nations cancer patients accessing culturally safe cancer care are well documented as is the shortage of a First Nations cancer workforce. The aim of this study was to address these gaps through piloting First Nations Cancer Nurse Coordinators (FNCNC or patient navigators) in Queensland.

Methods: FNCNCs were employed in three diverse Queensland cancer services to provide culturally responsive supportive care to First Nations cancer patients and their families. Qualitative data from the FNCNC, patients and families were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Preliminary results indicate FNCNCs are essential to providing emotional and practical support to First Nations cancer patients and their families. They are invaluable in supporting patients and families to navigate the complexities of cancer and cancer treatment. Patients reported feeling isolated "I'm so grateful for all the support and connecting me back with my family". Patients and family reported the FNCNCs ability to break down medical terminology and help them to make informed decisions about their care and treatment options. Having a trusted and culturally sensitive advocate by their side throughout the entire process was crucial to keeping engaged in services. We are also seeing some initial benefits in improving the cultural safety and appropriateness of cancer service, the "FNCNC has taught us all so much"- Nursing Director.

Conclusion: FNCNC play an important role in achieving equity in cancer care and outcomes for First Nations people. Australia’s investment in cancer navigation programs must consider targeted positions for First Nations navigators in cancer services.