Patient Navigator (HS)

Patient Navigator serves as a health promotion advocate in the Emergency Departments Health NowProgram, a population health-focused program using a systemic approach to address health needs in a more proactive way with a focus on patients who may be living with HIV, Hepatitis C, substance use, etc.Participates in identifying and intervening with populations most at risk for threats to health and well-being at the earliest opportunity and helping them connect with community resources to improve health outcomes. Under the direction of the Project Leader, 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 program. In a professional manner, interviews patients to elicit health needs history; administers questionnaire in a courteous, professional, and empathetic manner; coordinates point-of-care testingas applicable; based on responses, refers to appropriate Health NowProgram team members for further referral to community resources; maintains patients records ensuring strict confidentiality; maintains appropriate tracking and reporting systems; collects, analyzes and compiles data for inclusion in progress reports. Supports various community-based 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; provides other general support for research projects as directed by the principal investigator and clinical research manager.

The Patient Navigator is responsiblefor carrying out successful screening of patients presenting to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centerfacilitiesfor various health related servicessuch as OUD/SUD, HIV testing, HCV education, harm reduction education, naloxone distribution, addressing non-clinical barriers preventing engagement with the health systemand utilizing inclusion and exclusion criteriafor participation inthe clinical services and researchstudies.The Patient Navigator will be trained to provide education and services forhealth promotion and education.Additionally, the Patient Navigatormaywork in a variety of settings as necessary to complete work as approved by medical director, relevant stakeholders, and administratorsthat promote implementation, system redesign, educationand quality initiatives.

Essential Functions:

1. Screen patients and receive referrals for patients potentially eligible for HealthNowprogram activities

2. Approach patients and explain HealthNowprogram processes/services 3.Consent and enroll participants in eligible research studies 4.Completesystem approved point of careclinical and confirmatory tests for diagnostic screening and assessment (e.g., rapid HIV test under CLIA waiver with Insticonfirmatory test, risk screening, and discuss test results with the patient)

5.Refer the patient to the nextlevel of care or linkage services as indicated.

Job Description

Approximately 66%: ClinicalRole

Address patient concerns through active listening and escalate as needed to the care team. Research and remain up to dateon available services/programs both within and outside of the OSU network that may benefit patients in order tosuccessfully match patient needs with resources. Maintain appropriate tracking and reporting systems and complete other related duties as assigned.Workclosely with appropriate clinical servicesand linkage to care teamsto ensure referrals are completed and patients' needs are assessed. The Patient Navigator employs motivational interviewing (MI), open ended questions and client centered counseling to collect patient information and ensure the necessary information is promptly passed on to the linkage coordinator or thecare team. This role involves multi-disciplinaryteams and collaboration.

Approximately 33%: Research Role

Providesassistance in support of clinical research studies being conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine; participates in the recruitment of study participants; collects and provides relevant data to be used in assessing eligibility of patients for participation in protocols; assists with administration of informed consent process; assists with cognitive testing both clinically and for research visits; assists principal investigator (PI) and sub-investigator with continuity of care of study patients during and between clinic visits; assists with collection, entering, maintenance and reporting of clinical research data; assists with analysis and interpretation of research data; enters protocol, medical history, and demographic information abstracted from patient charts into appropriate data capturing system; enters patient clinical data into electronic medical record system; reviews data and progress notes with research specialists, CRCs, principal investigator and sponsor agencies as appropriate; composes and responds to correspondence from principal investigators; prepares appropriate protocol files for data audits; assists with development of data collection plan and forms for new research protocols; prepares summaries of research results for protocol evaluation, abstract and manuscripts; other responsibilities as assigned by PI or Clinical Research Manager.