High-Touch Navigation
A Relationship-Driven Approach to Brain Tumor Support
In recent years, the field of patient navigation has gained significant traction within the healthcare landscape, recognized for its ability to improve patient outcomes and streamline complex medical journeys. The recent approval of Medicare funding for Principal Illness Navigation (PIN) services marks a pivotal moment in the integration of navigation within hospital systems, reinforcing its importance in guiding individuals through serious health conditions. While this milestone highlights a growing commitment to patient-centered support, Brain Tumor Network has been providing high-touch navigation for over a decade—long before federal recognition of its value.
Patients have always been the priority for us at BTN. Our navigation model was intentionally designed to address the unique and evolving needs of individuals living with a brain tumor diagnosis and the loved ones who walk this journey alongside them. Unlike traditional hospital-based navigation, which can often focus on a single touchpoint in a patient’s care, we provide long-term, in-depth guidance that adapts as a patient’s needs change.
A Personalized Approach to Patient Support
High-touch navigation is a deeply personalized form of support for cancer patients, particularly those dealing with a complex diagnosis like glioblastoma.
A navigator offers dedicated, one-on-one guidance tailored to the individual’s needs throughout their journey. This approach prioritizes human connection and emphasizes the empathy necessary to assist patients effectively. It involves providing focused support, reliable follow-up, and customized assistance as the patient progresses through treatment and care.
High-touch navigation recognizes the unique challenges patients face and aims to address them with individualized care and understanding.
A Dual Co-Navigation Model for Comprehensive Support
BTN’s approach is rooted in the understanding that someone living with a brain tumor will require both clinical guidance and emotional, psychosocial support. To ensure no aspect of care is overlooked, a dual, co-navigation model is used—pairing each patient with both a nurse navigator and a social work navigator.
- Nurse Navigators assist with understanding treatment options, clinical trials, symptom management, and medical decision-making, offering clarity in a complex healthcare system.
- Social Work Navigators help patients and caregivers navigate the emotional, practical, and financial challenges that often accompany a diagnosis, ensuring they have the resources and support to manage the day-to-day impact of living with a brain tumor.
This co-navigation approach ensures patients receive well-rounded, individualized support, with their needs addressed from both a clinical and personal perspective.
More Than Just Guidance—A Meaningful Relationship
What truly sets Brain Tumor Network apart is the depth of connection built with every patient and caregiver who reaches out for support. High-touch navigation means prioritizing people over processes, ensuring that each patient’s experience is guided by compassion, continuity, and genuine human connection.
- When patients connect with Brain Tumor Network, they are paired with the same navigator or team throughout their journey, allowing for continuity of care and the development of a trusted relationship over time.
- The approach goes beyond simply answering questions; it is about walking alongside patients and caregivers, offering personalized, one-on-one support that evolves with their needs.
- Unlike hospital-based navigation services, which are often bound by institutional limitations, Brain Tumor Network provides independent, patient-centered support, free from external influences.
Navigation isn’t just about finding the right resources—it’s about having someone to turn to, someone who understands, and someone who truly cares. The high-touch approach ensures that no one faces a brain tumor diagnosis alone. Whether exploring treatment options, seeking emotional support, or looking for guidance on clinical trials, Brain Tumor Network’s dedicated team is here to help every step of the way.
