The Oncology Interactive NavigatorTM (OIN) was developed by Jack Digital Productions, Inc. to combine online patient education and navigation resources for cancer patients. It is a web-based tool that includes detailed information by type of cancer (e.g. colorectal cancer) and its treatment; links to local community support services specific to the cancer centre where a patient is receiving care; and tools such as pre-populated emails to link friends and family to educational information about a patient’s cancer and treatment.
In May 2009, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer commissioned a pilot study to understand how virtual navigation (navigating the cancer journey using internet support) can support cancer patients. Specifically, the pilot evaluated the introduction of the OIN tool in seven cancer centres across Canada. Findings from this study are meant to assist partner organizations (i.e., provincial cancer agencies and cancer centres) in assessing the applicability and appropriateness of introducing the OIN as a virtual navigation tool in routine cancer care. Virtual Navigation in Cancer : A Pilot Study provides a summary of the findings from that pilot as well as a comprehensive final report of the pilot study.
