Oncology Nurse Navigation: Expansion of the Navigator Role Through Telehealth

BACKGROUND: Residents of communities without local access to clinical oncology care face significant challenges that can be addressed through the use of technology. Teleoncology uses secure, interactive video- and audioconferencing and telephone communication to remotely deliver quality cancer care. OBJECTIVES: This article introduces the role of the oncology nurse navigator (ONN) as a collaborative caregiver and virtual resource for patients and teleoncology providers. METHODS: The literature on telehealth, nurse navigation, and teleoncology was reviewed to describe the ONN role and its integration with eHealth technologies. FINDINGS: As a member of the interprofessional provider team, the ONN works collaboratively with patients and their family members and serves as a virtual resource. The ONN also provides clinical communication among clinical oncology providers and support staff. The ONN supports eHealth as a method of providing clinical care to patients close to their homes.