Navigation Alone is Not Enough. Early Outcomes of a Patient Navigation Programme to Facilitate the Cancer Care Experience for Patients at Mbingo Baptist Hospital in Northwest Cameroon. A Theory-guided Qualitative Study

Glenn Mbah Afungchwi; Eric Makiyighome Tum; Alberic Ndonku; Lorraine Elit

doi:10.31557/APJCC.2026.11.5.737

Authors

Glenn Mbah Afungchwi Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Bamenda, Cameroon.
Eric Makiyighome Tum Information and Vocational Guidance Counselling Centre, Bamenda, Cameroon.
Alberic Ndonku Department of Oncology, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon. Faculty of Medicines and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp-Belgium.
Lorraine Elit Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2, Canada.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCC.2026.11.5.737

Keywords:

Patient navigation, Cancer care, Qualitative study, Biopsychosocial model, Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: support. Late presentation, fragmented referral pathways, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited psychosocial support mark cancer care in Cameroon. Earlier research at Mbingo Baptist Hospital (MBH) highlighted major gaps in care. In response, a hospital-based patient navigation programme was introduced in 2024 to improve communication, follow-up, and patient-centred support across the cancer care continuum. To explore how the introduction of a patient navigation programme has influenced patients’ experiences of cancer care at MBH. Setting: The study was conducted at Mbingo Baptist Hospital, a major referral centre for oncology care in the North-West Region of Cameroon.

Materials and Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine adult cancer patients between August and September 2025, approximately one year after programme implementation. Interviews were guided by the biopsychosocial model, conducted in English, Pidgin English, or French, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using inductive and deductive coding.

Results: Participants reported improved care coordination, clearer communication, enhanced follow-up, and stronger psychosocial support following the introduction of patient navigation. The patient navigator facilitated appointment scheduling, interdepartmental communication, and emotional reassurance. Nevertheless, persistent challenges remained, including diagnostic delays, high treatment costs, limited insurance coverage, and travel burdens. Patients’ experiences were further shaped by social support, spiritual coping, conflict-related displacement, and cultural beliefs about cancer.

Conclusion: Patient navigation strengthened relational continuity, trust, and patient engagement in cancer care at MBH but did not fully overcome structural and financial barriers. The study provides context-specific evidence to inform the integration and scaling of navigation programmes within broader health-system strengthening efforts in low-resource oncology settings.