Screening Program for Colorectal Cancer Navigation Services

What are Navigation Services?

• Navigation services are provided to eligible patients after an abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) result. The FIT screens for colorectal cancer by detecting blood in the stool.

Navigation services are provided by registered nurses who, with medical directives from a primary care provider (PCP):

• Assess client eligibility for a colonoscopy
• Schedule colonoscopies
• Provide pre-colonoscopy preparation through patient education and support 
• Communicate with patients and physicians throughout the colonoscopy process

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Signed Medical Directive from the patient’s PCP authorizing navigation services
• Average Risk (no personal history of pre-cancerous colorectal polyps requiring surveillance or inflammatory bowel disease) 
• Asymptomatic (no new or progressive gastrointestinal symptoms) 
• Medical history review with ASA classification less than 3 
• Within screening and surveillance guideline recommendations 

Benefits of Navigation to the Patient: 

• Provides guidance, education, and support in making health decisions for screening and diagnostic follow-up
• Improves health outcomes by promoting and supporting patient empowerment and autonomy
• Provides coordination of care resulting in a streamlined process for patients
• Improves patient experience and satisfaction by decreasing fears and anxiety through ongoing accessible communication