OU researchers aim to reduce Indigenous cancer disparities through enhanced navigation services

Summary:

– OU pilot program reduced missed appointments from 19% to 11%.

– Financial support provided for two-thirds of patients’ travel needs.

– Virtual navigator-clinician “huddles” aim to improve care coordination.

University of Oklahoma Health Campus researchers found that a novel care coordination and communication program has the potential to support Indigenous Oklahomans — who face significant cancer disparities — in accessing cancer care .

Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Indigenous Oklahomans access this care from the ITU system, which includes federally administered IHS facilities, tribally administered facilities and urban In