Met with the department manager to understand the performance challenges affecting the Patient Navigator team. Through these discussions, it became clear that navigators needed additional support in communicating effectively with oncology patients and their families while consistently carrying out their responsibilities with confidence and compassion.
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After completing this training, Patient Navigators will be able to:
Define their role in supporting oncology patients through complex treatment processes.
Demonstrate empathetic and effective communication skills.
Identify key patient barriers and provide solutions using available resources.
Navigate the healthcare system, including insurance, referrals, and financial aid.
Apply cultural competency and ethical considerations in patient interactions.
Welcome To Our Training
Patient Navigator In Oncology
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Description:
Designed and developed engaging learning experiences using instructional design principles to enhance knowledge retention and application.
Responsibilities:
Created instructional materials through action mapping, storyboarding, prototyping, visual design, to align with learner needs and objectives.
Tools Used:
Vyond, PowerPoint, Google Docs, MindMeister, Freepik, and Canva to design and develop interactive and visually appealing training content.
The target audience for this training module is patient navigators working in the oncology department or clinic. These individuals assist cancer patients by providing guidance, emotional support, and logistical help throughout their treatment journey. The training is designed for new and experienced patient navigators, including nurses, social workers, and healthcare professionals who support patients in understanding their care plans, coordinating appointments, and accessing resources.
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Explored the manager's observations, workflow expectations, and common performance gaps to identify the knowledge, communication, and service behaviors that required improvement. The analysis revealed a need for greater consistency in patient interactions and a renewed focus on delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.
Learning Solution Recommendation
Proposed Solution
Instructor-Led Training (ILT) with hands-on role-playing, case studies, and group discussions
Development of a structured onboarding program for new Patient Navigators
Creation of a resource guide with key patient services and referral pathways
Incorporation of accessibility features to accommodate diverse learning needs
Problem & Solution Summary
Problem: Patient Navigators lack a standardized, structured approach to effectively guiding oncology patients through their treatment journey. This results in inconsistent patient support, communication barriers, and missed opportunities for improved patient outcomes.
Solution: Implement a comprehensive training program that equips Patient Navigators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to provide compassionate, effective, and culturally competent guidance to oncology patients.
Needs Analysis
Identify gaps, define objectives.
2 Weeks
Course Design
Develop content, training materials, job aids.
4 Weeks
Pilot Training
Test with a small group, collect feedback.
1 Week
Final Rollout
Deliver training, assess effectiveness.
Ongoing
Designed a comprehensive ILT program that incorporated adult learning principles, realistic oncology patient scenarios, guided discussions, case studies, role-playing exercises, participant activities, and facilitator resources. The training was structured to rebuild confidence, strengthen communication skills, and reinforce best practices for patient navigation.
Scenario-Based Learning
Helps learners apply knowledge in real-world settings.
Case studies on patient challenges and resource navigation.
Role-Playing Exercises
Enhances communication skills through practice.
Participants act as navigators and patients in guided role-plays.
Interactive Discussions
Encourages engagement and peer learning.
Facilitated group brainstorming and Q&A sessions.
Job Aids & Resource Lists
Provides ongoing reference materials after training.
Printed/digital cheat sheets on resources, insurance, and best practices.
Self-Assessment & Reflection
Helps learners evaluate their cultural competency and biases.
Personal action plans for applying training insights.
Developed knowledge checks, facilitator observations, and participant reflection activities to assess learning and reinforce key concepts. The training was designed to support immediate application on the job while providing the manager with a foundation for ongoing coaching and performance development.
Further Recommendations
E-Learning Self-Paced Courses
Virtual Training
Micro-Learning Opportunities
Job Aid
Building Trust During the First Patient Interaction
This 5–7-minute microlearning module provides Patient Navigators with practical communication strategies to build trust during their first interaction with an oncology patient. Through realistic scenarios, interactive decision-making, and immediate feedback, learners practice empathy, active listening, and patient-centered communication skills that can be applied immediately in the clinical setting. Designed as a just-in-time learning resource, this module reinforces key onboarding concepts while promoting confidence, compassionate care, and improved patient experiences.