Other NHC members and I attended an appreciation
breakfast where we discussed resources we found
that help patients at our respective clinics.
Going into my service term as a Care Navigator at Maria de los Santos, I was super excited about encouraging patients to get screened for breast and colon cancer, as I had prior knowledge about the health disparities in awareness, education, and prevalence of cancer. However, I did not realize the impact of conducting social determinants of health screenings.
The beginning of the screening starts off with general questions such as, “Have you served in the armed forces?” or “How many people do you live with?” Patients tend to look at me with confused eyes, wondering why I am asking them these sorts of questions at a doctor’s appointment. Then, I ask more serious questions such as, “Are you worried about losing your housing?” While some patients say no, other patients show their vulnerability, as they tell me about their struggles. I listen, ask them some follow up questions, and offer some resources that may alleviate some of that burden. Seeing their facial expressions change as I explain how to enroll for certain government benefits or inform them of organizations who can help, is an amazing feeling. Patients did not know that not only would someone ask them those types of questions, but also that someone could help them with concerns outside of their health.
The entrance to Maria de los Santos
As a Care Navigator at Maria de los Santos, I have been enriched with many stories from various patients. I have listened to them discuss their worries about losing their house, affording food, or paying for their medications, which has illustrated some of the many barriers to accessing healthcare. From helping a patient with Schizophrenia enroll for a free phone to connecting an older adult with free transportation for her mammogram appointment, I am learning how to overcome those barriers and loving the patient interactions and relationships I have developed along the way.
I never know what kind of conversation will occur when I walk into that exam room. A patient could be completely fine or could be struggling to pay for heat in their home. However, I have learned that a patient's life outside of the clinic impacts their health and the ability to obtain quality healthcare, and no one will know about these factors unless questions are asked.
