The implementation of patient navigation to improve mammography coverage and access to breast cancer care in Rio de Janeiro

This study evaluates the Patient Navigation Program (Programa de Navegao do Paciente -PNP), which was introduced to a community in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The objectives were: to establish the viability of the PNP in this context; identify barriers to mammogram screening; and ensure mammogram coverage for 70% of women recruited between 50 and 69 years old. From March to September 2018, 678 women with an average age of 58 years old were recruited from the Andara community. Follow-up was performed through the patient browser (PB), by telephone, email and text messages. Twelve percent of women refused to participate in the PNP for cultural reasons. The main barriers reported by women were: systematic problems with health care programming (100%), financial problems (64%), concerns about communicating with medical staff (58%), fear (44%), and social support (14%). The PNP obtained 100% satisfaction, and the mammogram coverage rate goal was exceeded, reaching 88%. The PN promoted an increase in the rate for mammogram coverage, aided in the transmission of quality information, reduced individuals' fear of mammography, and facilitated access to breast health care.