Oklahoma City-based OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center reduced missed appointments among indigenous cancer patients by 8%, according to a study published Sept. 6 in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The center’s American Indian Navigation Program conducted a care coordination and communication pilot project to address the barriers many indigenous people encounter when trying to access cancer care services.
Here are three notes on the study:
While primary care services are available for many indigenous people through Indian Health Service facilities, tribal and urban Indian health facilities, specialty services such as cancer care are usually referred out.“The referral process can be lengthy and confusing for patients, clinicians and staff alike, and it requires a significant amount of communication between facilities,” Amanda Janitz, PhD, RN, an associate professor of epidemiology and lead study author, said in a Sept. 11 news release from the university. “We want to make a difference for this patient population in a way that ultimately improves their health outcomes.”
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center’s American Indian Navigation Program has served 4,463 indigenous patients from 65 tribes since 2012.With funding from the American Cancer Society, the program’s pilot project enrolled 128 indigenous patients to receive enhanced patient navigation services between July 2023 and February 2025.
In addition to reducing missed appointments from 19% to 11%, the pilot increased depression screening rates from 72% to 100%.Two-thirds of enrolled patients received financial support for transportation and lodging associated with cancer care services. Patients also reported increased understanding of clinical trials.
Read the full study here.
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