Publications
2021
(Dis)Connecting Through COVID-19: Experiences of older persons in the context of a volunteer-client relationship
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’s impacted older persons and volunteer agencies. To learn more about these impacts, we interviewed 23 clients and 33 volunteers to investigate their experiences during COVID-19. Findings highlighting the importance of acknowledging both older persons’ vulnerability and their resilience, of building in compassionate community approaches to care, and of finding innovative ways to foster volunteer–client relationships during times when physical visiting is not possible.
2020
Implementing volunteer navigation for older persons with advanced chronic illness (Nav-CARE): A knowledge to action study
The goal of this study was to better understand the implementation factors that influenced the utilization of Nav-CARE in 8 diverse Canadian contexts. The study highlights the importance of community-based champions for the success of volunteer-led initiatives and the critical need for support and mentorship for both volunteers and those who lead them.
2020
A mixed method evaluation of a Volunteer Navigation Intervention for older persons Living with Chronic Illness (Nav-CARE): Findings from a knowledge Translation Study
This study used mixed methods to understand the outcomes upon older person engagement; volunteer self-efficacy; and older person, family, and volunteer quality of life and satisfaction with the intervention. Findings from this study support a developing body of evidence showing the contributions volunteers make to enhanced older person and family well-being in the context of chronic illness.
2018
Volunteer Navigation Partnerships: Piloting a Compassionate Community Approach to Early Palliative Care
In this project, we piloted a capacity-building model in which volunteers and a nurse partnered to provide navigation support beginning in the early palliative phase for adults living in community. We found that volunteers providing supportive navigation services during the early phase of palliative care is a feasible way to foster a compassionate community approach to care for an aging population.
2018
Implementing volunteer navigation for older persons with advanced chronic illness (Nav-CARE): A knowledge to action study
The goal of this study was to better understand the implementation factors that influenced the utilization of Nav-CARE in 8 diverse Canadian contexts. The study highlights the importance of community-based champions for the success of volunteer-led initiatives and the critical need for support and mentorship for both volunteers and those who lead them.
2017
Nurse-led Navigation To Provide Early Palliative Care In Rural Areas: A Pilot Study
The objective of this project was to pilot a nurse-led navigation service to provide early palliative support for rural older adults and their families living at home with advancing chronic illness. We found that using a nurse navigator to facilitate early palliative care for rural older adults living with advanced chronic illness is a promising innovation for meeting the needs of this population.
2017
DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION OF A CURRICULUM TO PREPARE VOLUNTEER NAVIGATORS TO SUPPORT OLDER PERSONS LIVING WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS
The purpose of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a curriculum designed to prepare volunteer navigators to support community-dwelling older persons with serious chronic illness. Overall, volunteers were satisfied with the curriculum and reported good self-perceived efficacy in their new role as navigators.
2016
DEVELOPING NAVIGATION COMPETENCIES TO CARE FOR OLDER RURAL ADULTS WITH ADVANCED ILLNESS*
In this study we engaged experts in rural aging, rural palliative care, and navigation – as well as rural community stakeholders to develop a conceptual definition of navigation and delineate navigation competencies for the care of this population. Study results culminated in five general navigation competencies for health care providers caring for older rural persons and their families at end of life: provide patient/family screening; advocate for the patient/family; facilitate community connections; coordinate access to services and resources; and promote active engagement. These competencies provide the foundation for research and curriculum development in navigation.
Presentations
Implementing Nav-CARE
(Dis)Connecting through COVID
What’s New?
Indigenous Populations
Cara Basil is assessing Nav-CARE for feasibility and adaptability for an Indigenous community.
Family Caregivers of Medically Complex Children
Robyn Thomas is assessing Nav-CARE for feasibility and acceptability for family caregivers of medically complex children.
Nav-CARE Community Hubs
Building capacity across Canada with the development of 15 Nav-CARE Hubs in 8 provinces and territories.
Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
Madison Huggins is adapting Nav-CARE to support family caregivers of people living with dementia.
“It’s not focused on dying. It’s focused on living – living the best you can with whatever you’ve got each day of the year. And so, that’s been a real bonus for me from this research. It’s led to other connections.”
– NAV-CARE CLIENT
Nav-CARE 