The British Columbia Patient Navigation Model: A Critical Analysis

Purpose/Objectives: To provide a critical analysis of a patient navigation model using the Synthesized Method of Theory Evaluation and the Criterion-Based Critique as frameworks for the analysis.

Data Sources: English-language research and clinical articles and Internet sources (CINAHL®, PubMed, and Google™ Scholar) on patient navigation up to April 2009.

Data Synthesis: The British Columbia Patient Navigation Model (BCPNM) is a practical model developed from a psychosocial perspective. The BCPNM highlights the functions of the navigator for patients with cancer and is patient and family centered.

Conclusions: The BCPNM provides a comprehensive framework for current patient navigation programs and can facilitate the development of future models.

Implications for Nursing: The BCPNM is a useful model for nursing practice because it identifies and clearly highlights numerous functions that nurses provide. The model can serve as a guide for nurses who provide psychosocial interventions in a variety of oncology environments.