Evaluation of a healthcare navigator intervention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of a healthcare navigator intervention to understand and address barriers to accessing healthcare in Northumberland and North Tyneside
IRAS ID
346011
Contact name
Sheena Ramsay
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
Missed healthcare appointments can lead to poorer care for patients, inefficient use of NHS resources, and longer waiting times. In Northumberland and North Tyneside, factors like deprivation, rural transport issues, and digital exclusion make it harder for some people to access health services.
To address this, the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumberland County Council are testing a new 'Healthcare Navigator' service. Healthcare Navigators are non-clinical staff who guide patients through the healthcare system and work with them to overcome barriers to attending appointments.
This study aims to evaluate how well the Healthcare Navigator service improves attendance at outpatient appointments for people at higher risk of missing appointments. The research will analyse de-identified hospital data to identify which groups of patients miss the most appointments. Interviews will also be conducted with around 15 patients and 15 staff to understand the main reasons people miss appointments and how the Healthcare Navigators can help them.
The findings will inform recommendations for how healthcare providers can improve access to services, especially for disadvantaged patient groups. Making it easier for people to get the care they need can lead to better health outcomes and more efficient use of NHS resources.
The study is being conducted by researchers at Newcastle University, in collaboration with the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumberland County Council. It will run for 15 months, with results expected to be published in academic journals and presented at conferences.
The project aims to contribute to wider efforts to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for everyone who needs it.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NE/0210
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion