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HIV patient navigation in the United States: A qualitative meta-synthesis of navigators’ experience

Patient navigation is increasingly used to link and (re)engage persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to medical care. A more holistic understanding of patient navigation can be achieved by exploring the experiences of navigators. The study authors conducted a meta-synthesis of navigator experiences with HIV patient navigation using a phenomenological approach. The meta-synthesis included nine relevant studies. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Analysis identified two overarching themes relating to: (1) the breadth and depth of bidirectional relationships with the navigator being the interface between systems and clients and the functional activities that navigators undertake to connect their clients to care, and (2) the inherently personal experience of delivering navigation services that may increase risk for burnout and compassion fatigue. From these thematic findings, the study authors suggest that HIV patient navigators exhibit the capacity and expertise in developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with clients and health care systems/providers and develop self-care practices and emotional boundaries with clients.

Publication type: Meta-synthesis

Publication date: 2022

Intended population: Persons with HIV (PWH); Health care providers

Key outcomes: Engagement/Re-engagement in HIV care, Linkage to HIV care, Retention in HIV care

Roland, K. B., Higa, D. H., Leighton, C. A., Mizuno, Y., DeLuca, J. B., & Koenig, L. J. (2022). HIV patient navigation in the United States: A qualitative meta-synthesis of navigators' experiences. Health Promotion Practice, 23(1):74-85. doi: 10.1177/1524839920982603