Table 3 Examples of nurse navigator interventions

Disease management

Teaching about disease treatment, trajectories, medication and side effect management. Coaching regarding communicating with healthcare providers and healthcare utilization. Accessing disease management resources in the community, at tertiary treatment centres, and online. Discussing decisions regarding treatment choices.

Spiritual

Conversations about fear of dying, spiritual guidance, negative religious coping, afterlife, suffering, involvement in church. Referrals to community chaplain. Life reminiscing and dignity therapy.

Physical

Teaching and assistance with managing common symptoms such as fatigue, pain, mobility limitations, skin irritation, shortness of breath, and bowel and bladder problems. Referrals to healthcare services. Falls prevention strategies.

Practical

Obtaining equipment from Red Cross Loan Cupboard. Mobilizing assistance for transportation, meals, housekeeping, and assistance with ADLs.

Psychological

Support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, and grief. Practical interventions to attenuate psychological concerns (e.g., stress management strategies and art therapy). Referrals to family physician or mental health services.

EOL

Advance care planning including funeral arrangements, planning regarding place of death, representation agreements, palliative benefits, wills. Dignity therapy. Teaching on what to expect at end of life. Support during last days at home.

Social

Negotiating family challenges. Facilitating connections to supportive networks. Strategies to cope with social isolation. Providing resources when commuting outside of rural area for care.

Loss and Grief

Supporting through anticipatory grief and into the bereavement period. Practical strategies to cope with multiple losses. Attended funerals.