Part II. Taking Action to Improve Equity with Technology-Supported Navigation

Technology has potential to extend the reach of navigation to relieve the burden of cancer for patients, caregivers, and families and help eliminate inequities in care and outcomes. While the expansion of technology in healthcare is a near certainty, there is no guarantee that the full potential benefits of these tools will be realized. Technologies—particularly those that will be used to support direct patient care—must be developed and deployed with forethought and care to optimize benefit and avoid harm. In this report, the Panel identifies four priorities and related recommendations to promote effective and responsible development and use of technology for cancer patient navigation (Figure 3). All of these recommendations should be implemented in ways that align with the following foundational values:

• Technology should be used to augment patient navigation. It should not replace personal interactions or the people providing navigation services but, rather, should be applied in ways that allow more patients to be navigated more effectively and efficiently.
• Access to or use of technology should not be a requirement for accessing high-quality cancer care and patient navigation. Patients should always be able to opt out of technology without compromising their care.

Figure 3. President’s Cancer Panel Priorities and Recommendations

Posted: November 21, 2024