Exploring the scope and efficacy of nurse navigators in the care of individuals with complex care needs associated with chronic conditions: A systematic review.

In 30 seconds

This mixed-method systematic review examined the scope and efficacy of nurse navigators for people with complex care needs associated with chronic conditions. It included 49 primary studies: 22 quantitative, 17 qualitative and 10 mixed-methods. Nurse navigator roles were broad and variably defined, with care coordination, continuity and improved access consistently described as core functions. Evidence of benefit centred on patient empowerment, education, comprehensive care and caregiver support, while findings for healthcare utilisation—including admissions, emergency presentations and length of stay—were inconsistent. The authors identify role ambiguity, variable team integration and diverse outcome measures as barriers to robust evaluation.

Key findings

• The review included 49 studies: 22 quantitative, 17 qualitative and 10 mixed-methods.
• Care coordination, continuity and improved access to services and providers were consistently described as core navigator functions.
• Evidence of efficacy focused on patient empowerment, education, comprehensive care and caregiver support.
• Healthcare utilisation outcomes, including hospital admissions, emergency presentations and length of stay, were inconsistent.

Why it matters

For people managing complex chronic conditions, navigation may support continuity and address fragmentation through coordinated, relationship-based care. However, the review does not establish reliable improvements in healthcare utilisation. Variable role definitions, team integration and outcome measures make it difficult to compare programmes or determine which components contribute to outcomes.

What to keep in mind

The review reports that role boundaries, team integration and outcome measures varied across studies, limiting comparability and robust evaluation of efficacy.