Patient navigation, health disparities, social work roles, interdisciplinary teams
Abstract
Patient navigation is an emerging area of healthcare practice that uses an interdisciplinary and integrated care model designed to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. The authors define patient navigation, delineate the alignment of social work competencies with patient navigator requirements, and argue for a clear social work role and presence as patient navigators in interdisciplinary healthcare delivery. Social workers are well-equipped to carry out a variety of patient navigator responsibilities due to their unique skill of social justice advocacy as a macro-level intervention. Through involvement in patient navigation, social work leaders can promote the development of socially just healthcare systems that respect the dignity and worth of all patients.
Author Biographies
Patricia Louise Desrosiers, Western Kentucky University
Department of Social Work Associate Professor, MSW Program Director, Kentucky Victim Assistance Academy Program Director
Gayle Mallinger, Western Kentucky University
Department of Social Work Assistant Professor
Tonya Bragg-Underwood, Western Kentucky University
