Medical Student Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC Durham, NC, US
Disclosure(s):
Dana G. Rowe, BA: No financial relationships to disclose
Introduction: Spine surgery poses significant physical and psychological challenges, particularly for those with various social determinants of health (SDOH). To better understand these SDOH and support spine patients, we developed the Spine Patient Navigators Program. This initiative aimed to facilitate resource utilization, enhance patient education, support postoperative mobility, and provide personalized assistance.
Methods: In this pilot study, undergraduate and medical students served as patient navigators for spine surgery patients from October 2023 to April 2024 at a single institution. Navigators connected patients with resources, assisted with in-hospital mobility, conducted post-op visits, and provided bi-weekly phone support for six weeks post-surgery. Pre- and post-operative (6-week) surveys measured demographics, resource access, patient distress, social support, and overall program experience. Changes in distress from the pre-op to post-op timepoint were measured using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with a p-value set at 0.05.
Results: Twelve navigators supported 19 patients, with a mean age of 65 years. The cohort included 7 women, 12 men, 63.2% White, 31.6% Black, and 5.3% Asian, with 31.6% non-married/partnered. Preoperatively, pain (73.7%) and worry/anxiety (47.4%) were the most common concerns, while postoperatively, pain (55.6%) and loss of abilities (44.4%) remained prominent. Distress levels decreased by 50% from pre- to post-op (p = 0.056). Most patients (77.8%) would recommend the program, and 66.7% felt their navigators improved their surgical experience. Undergraduate navigators gained valuable patient interaction skills, while medical students developed clinical leadership abilities.
Conclusion : The Spine Patient Navigators Program shows promise in reducing distress and enhancing the recovery experience for spine surgery patients. Involving students as navigators provides a cost-effective patient support solution and enriches student education, highlighting the potential of navigator programs in spine surgery care.