The purpose of this study is to evaluate patient navigation programs designed to reduce barriers to cancer screening and improve healthcare experiences for adults living in Chicago. Participants will be asked to complete two surveys: the first survey shortly after the participants join the study and a second survey after 1 year. Participants will be joining one of three patient navigation programs, assigned at random. The investigators expect the participants to be in this patient navigation program for 12 months, followed by a 1-month window to complete the final survey.
This study focuses on improving how patient navigators (PNs) help people get cancer care in Chicago. The goal is to reduce differences in cancer outcomes between communities by tackling common challenges like language barriers, difficulty understanding health information, and trouble accessing care. The program is based on priorities identified by community partners, including: * Expanding patient navigation services so more people can use them * Making information easier to understand and available in different languages * Improving communication between patients and healthcare providers by sharing patient feedback At the individual patient level, navigators will help people overcome obstacles (like scheduling, transportation, or understanding instructions). This support is expected to help patients complete important steps in their care, such as: * Getting screened for cancer * Following up on abnormal test results * Starting treatment on time
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
750
The standard health navigation group will work with a Health Navigator during the 12 months time in the study. A Health Navigator is a trained, non-clinical staff member who helps the participants understand and access cancer screening and follow-up care. They are not doctors or nurses, but they work to support the participants in navigating the healthcare system.
The standard Health Navigation with the "Get Healthy" checklist group will work with a Health Navigator and a guided checklist over the next 12 months. A Health Navigator is a trained, non-clinical staff member who helps you understand and access cancer screening and follow-up care. They are not doctors or nurses, but they work to support you in navigating the healthcare system.
The health navigation with the AI chatbot group will work with a Health Navigator and an AI Chatbot over 12 months. A Health Navigator is a trained, non-clinical staff member who helps you understand and access cancer screening and follow-up care. They are not doctors or nurses, but they work to support you in navigating the healthcare system.
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States
RECRUITINGCancer screening utilization
Patient Receipt of Clinical Cancer Preventive Services composite proportion of items completed/resolved in NCCN and USPSTF recommended cancer screenings, behavioral counseling, and immunizations.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 12 months.
Resolution of SDOH barriers
Patient Receipt of Resolution of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Barriers is an adjusted, composite proportion of items completed/resolved from those identified in the Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs (AHC HRSN) Screening Tool.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 12 months.
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