Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Among the Homeless Population: The Health Navigator Model

Summary

Prevention and early detection are key for the decrease of cancer-related mortality. However, socially deprived population groups don't have the privilege of unburdened access to the healthcare system. The EU-funded CANCERLESS project aims to develop an evidence-based, patient-centred innovation that reinforces patients through health education and social support and fosters timely access to primary and secondary prevention services. Based on the combination of the tested Patient Navigator Model and the Patient Empowerment Model, CANCERLESS will develop the Health Navigator Model for Europe, addressed to the underserved population.

Conditions

• Cancer

Interventions

OTHER

Health Navigator Model

The Health Navigator Model will be a longitudinal, person-centered and community-based intervention focused on addressing both primary and secondary cancer prevention, as well as reducing wider barriers to healthcare. Health Navigators (HNs) will be professionals who have a background in social care and an understanding of the local user population, and will be embedded in settings familiar and accessible to people experiencing homelessness. The primary aspects of the HN role will be to identify the health needs and barriers of users, promote cancer awareness and education, facilitate timely access to healthcare services and cancer screening, provide practical assistance, delivered through regular in-person meetings, and utilize wider stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, to deliver the intervention. A comprehensive training package will be delivered to the HNs, covering population specific knowledge, interpersonal skills, cancer education and local resources.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Valencia

  collaborator OTHER

• Senior Europa Sociedad Limitada

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Ministry of Social Policies and Family, Spain

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Servicio Madrileño de Salud, Madrid, Spain

  collaborator OTHER

• International Foundation for Integrated Care

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Programs of Development, Social Support and Medical Cooperation Association

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• European Federation of National Organisations working with the Homeless

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Prolepsis Institute for Preventive, Environmental and Occupational Medicine

  collaborator OTHER

• Anglia Ruskin University

  collaborator OTHER

• Universitat Politècnica de València

  collaborator OTHER

• Medical University of Vienna

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Igor Grabovac, MD, PhD · Medical University of Vienna

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-06-08

Primary Completion

2023-12-29

Completion

2023-12-29

Countries

• Austria
• Greece
• Spain
• United Kingdom

Study Locations