(53) Nurse Navigators role in Optimizing Low English Proficiency Patient and Family Education

Title: Nurse Navigators role in Optimizing Low English Proficiency Patient and Family Education

Abstract : Basis of inquiry: In the inpatient pediatric oncology setting, high acuity can hamper the bedside nurses’ ability to provide structured education for low-English proficiency (LEP) patients and families using interpreter services. Nurse navigators (NN), whose primary role it is to help patients navigate the healthcare system, may be best positioned to work in partnership with the bedside nurses to assess and provide scheduled, consistent and uninterrupted education for LEP patients and families. Education has been shown to increase adherence to the plan of care and alleviate anxiety at the time of discharge.

Objective: To guide this evidence-based review, the following PICO question was used: For families of pediatric patients receiving oncologic inpatient care with LEP, do interventions by an oncology NN, or not, lead to an increased understanding of the plan of care?

Methods: An electronic literature search of PubMed and CINAHL, along with a review of cited references, was conducted among peer-reviewed articles published in English from 2020 to 2025. Of 23 articles, 19 were excluded based upon established inclusion/exclusion criteria. Four were critically appraised using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model for Nursing critical appraisal tools. One was level I evidence and three were level III evidence. One article ranked as excellent quality and three were good quality.
Findings: Although the existing literature does not specifically address the NN’s role in understanding the plan of care among LEP pediatric oncology patients and their families the literature does underscore the importance of NNs, in the delivery of culturally sensitivity, and family centered cancer care. Ongoing evaluation will be essential to demonstrate if implementing NNs improve patients and families’ understanding of their plan of care in the pediatric oncology setting. However, more research is needed before a practice change can be recommended in the pediatric oncology setting.