Patient Navigation

Background: In Canada, lung cancer accounts for approximately 25% of cancer deaths each year. There are also known sociodemographic and racial inequities in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Studies have consistently found that patients with cancer have a high number of unmet needs, including psychological, physical, and informational. Navigation programs represent a potentially promising, equitable, and cost-effective approach to address the unmet needs of patients with lung cancer, but there is limited evidence about their effectiveness in patients with lung cancer. The investigators developed and have implemented a volunteer lay navigator program, Care and Connect (C\&C), which aims to proactively reduce distress in patients, provide information and support, and increase access to treatment and supportive care resources. The proposed pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) project plans to 1) assess the feasibility and acceptability of referral to C\&C and, 2) examine the preliminary effectiveness of C\&C. Methods: The current study is a 2-arm, parallel group, mixed methods, pilot RCT with a 1:1 allocation ratio and 3 timepoints: baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2). It is designed to test the trial feasibility and acceptability of the C\&C intervention in patients with lung cancer. In total, 50 participants will be randomized to receive the C\&C intervention or usual care only (25 per arm). At each timepoint, data will be collected on participants' access to psychosocial (PSO) services, psychological wellbeing, and satisfaction with care through participant medical record and a survey. To gain additional insights regarding the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of C\&C, a subset of 15 participants from the intervention group will be contacted for qualitative exit interviews. Expected outcomes: There is limited evidence about the effects of lay navigation programs on access to PSO services among patients with lung cancer. This work addresses this knowledge gap by evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of C\&C on patients with lung cancer. The findings of the proposed work will expand the body of evidence supporting lay navigation to the lung cancer population, contributing to the evidence base for patient-centred care.

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to test if a patient navigator program improves healthcare experiences and outcomes for migrant families caring for a child or youth with special healthcare needs (i.e. chronic health condition). The main questions are, for migrant families with a child or youth with special healthcare needs: Does a patient navigator reduces barriers to care? Does a patient navigator improve care coordination, caregiver empowerment, caregiver stress and quality of life? What are the healthcare experiences for families with and without the patient navigator intervention? Participants will: * Receive the intervention, i.e., the patient navigator program, or continue with standard of care for 12 months * Fill out questionnaires at 3 time points on barriers to care, caregiver stress, care coordination, and their child's health