Patient Navigator

Position Summary

The Patient Navigator will work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary care team to assist patients, providers, and Nuclear Medicine healthcare professionals before, during, and after treatment. The PN will work to maintain a climate of mutual respect, dignity, diversity, ethical integrity, and trust and participate in multi-disciplinary teams to provide patient care that is safe, timely, efficient, effective, and equitable.

Duties amp; Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Radiology Research Office and the Nuclear Medicine Supervisory Research Technologist, and in cooperation with all the members of the patient care teams, performs a wide range of clinical-support and administrative functions to fully support the Nuclear Medicine amp; Molecular Imaging and Radiopharmaceutical Diagnostic and Therapeutic clinical research trials. In a professional manner, interviews patients to elicit health needs history; administers questionnaires; coordinates scheduling and preparation information to patients for Division of Nuclear Medicine; based on responses, refers to appropriate Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Pharmacy, Radiation Safety, Medical Physics, and Nursing team members for further coordination; maintains patients records ensuring strict confidentiality; maintains appropriate tracking and reporting systems; collects, analyzes and compiles data for inclusion in quality maintenance reports. Supports various Nuclear Medicine amp; Molecular Imaging and Radiopharmaceutical Diagnostic and Therapeutic clinical research studies; assists with the organization and maintenance of study files and documents; assists with the timely and accurate data entry of study specific data; other responsibilities as assigned.

Responsible for carrying out successful clinical pre-screening and scheduling of patients presenting to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center facilities for various Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiopharmaceutical study procedures, addressing barriers that prevent participation in the clinical services and research studies. The PN will be trained to provide education and services for internal clinical and research teams and for patients for various Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiopharmaceutical study procedures. Additionally, the PN may work in a variety of settings as necessary to complete work as approved by the Section Chief of Nuclear Medicine, relevant stakeholders, and administrators that promote implementation, system redesign, education and quality initiatives.

Work closely with Nuclear Medicine Supervisory Research Technologist in appropriate clinical services and linkage to care teams to ensure referrals requests are addressed and patients' needs are assessed. Address patient concerns through active listening and escalation as needed to the care team. Collect patient information and ensures the necessary information is promptly passed on to the Nuclear Medicine Supervisory Research Technologists and care teams involved. Composes and responds to correspondence from research teams; assists with quantitative data collections with Nuclear Medicine Supervisory Research Technologist and members of the research teams with continuity of care of study patients during and between clinic visits; assists with development of data collection plan and forms for new research protocols; research and remain up to date on available literature within and outside of the OSU network that may benefit patients in order to successfully match patient needs with resources and complete other related duties as assigned. This role involves multi-disciplinary teams and collaboration.

70% Assist patients, providers, and healthcare professionals in care coordination. Follow up with patients to support adherence to agreed-upon treatment plan through continued non-clinical barrier assessment and referrals to supportive resources in collaboration with the clinical team. Establishes, maintains, and updates files, databases, records, reports and/or other documents. Maintains accurate and complete patient files.

15% Participates in trainings, continuing education, and meetings with the Patient Navigator team. Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings and monthly Patient Navigation Program meetings, interact with Academy of Oncology and Nurse Navigation (AONN) and attend, present at local and national conferences on patient navigation. Enhances professional knowledge/skills by identifying and participating in continuing education opportunities.

15% Performs special project assignments required to support the implementation and evaluation of patient navigation.

Performs other non-clinical work-related duties as requested, with the rapidly-evolving landscape of radiopharmaceuticals.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree in education, public health, social work, biological sciences, or related field with emphasis on case management, social work, and/or healthcare clinical operations. Experience working with patients in a clinical setting for at least 2 years preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Ability to initiate and maintain positive working relationships with staff, internal partners, and patients. Good communication skills, such as listening well and using language appropriately. Ability to promote patient navigator services within the multidisciplinary team. Execute tasks with a high level of diligence, possess excellent organizational skills and ability to adapt to a dynamic environment.