Patient navigation and time to diagnostic resolution: results for a cluster randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of patient navigation among patients with breast cancer screening abnormalities, Tampa, FL.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate a patient navigation (PN) program that attempts to reduce the time between a breast cancer screening abnormality and definitive diagnosis among medically underserved populations of Tampa Bay, Florida.

Methods

The Moffitt Patient Navigation Research Program conducted a cluster randomized design with 10 primary care clinics. Patients were navigated from time of a breast screening abnormality to diagnostic resolution. This paper examined the length of time between breast abnormality and definitive diagnosis, using a shared frailty Cox proportional hazard model to assess PN program effect.

Results

1,039 patients were eligible for the study because of an abnormal breast cancer screening/clinical abnormality (494 naviga

SUBMITTER: Lee JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3774725 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature