Part III. Conclusions

Patient navigation has been proven to reduce cancer disparities—a critical problem facing the National Cancer Program—by addressing individual and systemic barriers to accessing timely and high-quality care. In this report, the Panel identifies ways that technology could be used to enhance evidence-based patient navigation for people with cancer. The Panel has defined four priority areas and provided recommendations in each area to promote effective and appropriate use of technology for cancer navigation. These recommendations should be implemented in alignment with the following principles.

Technology should augment, not replace, people. Human connection is essential, particularly when people are overwhelmed and vulnerable, as people dealing with cancer often are. Technology should not replace personal connections; rather, it should make those connections easier, more efficient, and more meaningful.

Technology must be responsibly developed and used. Care must be taken that health technologies—including those used by organizations, care teams, and individuals—be developed and used in ways that optimize benefit and avoid harm, particularly for patients. User-centered design is a key component of this; user input must be gathered throughout the development process to ensure that tools address actual needs and that they are usable and accessible. Ongoing assessment is necessary to ensure that goals are being met and that any negative unintended consequences are identified and addressed in a timely manner. Technology presents many opportunities, but it is important that innovation—including, but not limited to, the use of artificial intelligence in health technologies—be balanced with the critical need for data security and patient privacy.

Technology should help achieve equity, not exacerbate disparities. The elimination of disparities in cancer care and outcomes must be among the highest priorities of the National Cancer Program. Technology can help achieve this goal, but only if traditionally underserved populations have access to broadband, devices, and digital skills. The impact of technology on disparities must be continually monitored, and both technological and nontechnological solutions must be pursued to address this pressing problem.

Effective use of technology to support cancer patient navigation requires cross-sector commitment and action. The Panel urges all stakeholders in the National Cancer Program—federal, state, and local governments; healthcare organizations; healthcare providers; electronic health record vendors and health IT developers; insurance companies; patients, families, and caregivers; and others—to work together to find the best ways to incorporate technology into cancer navigation to ensure that everyone facing a diagnosis of cancer has access to the best possible treatment and support.