Exploring the nurse navigator role : A thematic analysis

Journal article


Byrne, Amy-Louise, Hegney, Desley, Harvey, Clare, Baldwin, Adele, Willis, Eileen, Heard, David, Judd, Jenni, Palmer, Janine, Brown, Janie, Heritage, Brody, Thompson, Shona and Ferguson, Bridget. (2020). Exploring the nurse navigator role : A thematic analysis. Journal of Nursing Management. 28(4), pp. 814-821. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12997
AuthorsByrne, Amy-Louise, Hegney, Desley, Harvey, Clare, Baldwin, Adele, Willis, Eileen, Heard, David, Judd, Jenni, Palmer, Janine, Brown, Janie, Heritage, Brody, Thompson, Shona and Ferguson, Bridget
Abstract

Background
Patients with complex chronic conditions experience fragmentation of care, unnecessary hospitalization and reduced quality of life, with an increased incidence of poor health outcomes.

Aim(s)
The aim of this paper was to explore how nurse navigators manage client care. This was achieved through an examination of narratives provided by the nurse navigator that evaluated their scope of practice.

Method(s)
All nurse navigators employed by Queensland Health were invited to participate in a study evaluating the effectiveness of the service. Eighty-four self-reported vignettes were thematically analysed to understand the work from the nurses’ perspectives.

Results
Two themes emerged from the vignettes. Theme 1, the layers of complexity, is comprised of three sub-themes: the complex patient, the complex system and patient outcomes. Theme 2, professional attributes, has two sub-themes: person-centred care and clinical excellence.

Conclusion
Navigators innovatively integrate services and address the fragmented nature of the health system. They apply expert clinical and social skills, through consistent and robust communication, to meet the needs of those with multiple chronic conditions.

Implications for nursing management
Results provide insight into the new role, illuminating the work they achieve, despite system complexities.

Keywordsintegrated health care systems care; multiple chronic conditions; nurse navigator; nurses’ role; patient navigation; quality of life
Year2020
JournalJournal of Nursing Management
Journal citation28 (4), pp. 814-821
PublisherJohn Wiley & Sons Ltd
ISSN0966-0429
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12997
PubMed ID32155679
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85083440856
Page range814-821
FunderQueensland Health
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online16 Apr 2020
Publication process dates
Accepted01 Mar 2020
Deposited07 May 2025
Additional information

© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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