Low-Dose Computed Tomography: Effects of Oncology Nurse Navigation on Lung Cancer Screening
Joni Watson, Marion Broome, Susan Schneider
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening is an evidence-based and reimbursable strategy to decrease lung cancer and all-cause mortality in qualifying patients, but there remains low use and variation in providers' LDCT screening, ordering, and referring knowledge. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to examine the effects of oncology nurse navigation on assisting patients and ensuring optimal LDCT lung cancer screening. METHODS: Oncology nurse navigators conducted LDCT provider education and navigated 133 eligible patients to LDCT during a five-month intervention time period. FINDINGS: Provider education resulted in improved documented tobacco cessation discussions and increased LDCT screening ordering fidelity. Mean days from LDCT to provider notification and mean days from LDCT to patient notification improved significantly.