Many patients face barriers that make it difficult to access the services they need to maintain and improve their health. The Community Health Navigator (CHN) program is designed to help people optimize their care experience and outcomes by helping overcome barriers to care.
Another goal of the program is to reduce the power imbalance between patient and provider by providing patient-centered support. Patients get connected to a CHN through a health care professional and receive individualized support towards achieving their short-term or long-term goals.
CHNs are co-located at clinics within Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across Alberta. They are integrated on primary health care teams, and support the patients of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health care providers.
A health care provider may refer a patient to the CHN program if they feel they could benefit from extra support in managing their health. Patients who would like to be connected to a CHN can ask a participating PCN health care provider if a referral is appropriate.