Spine Surgery Patient Navigators (2024-2025)

This team sought to address disparities in access to and outcomes from spine surgery, particularly among low-income, older and non-White patients who historically experience worse postoperative results. Building on the work of the previous year’s team, the group examined whether a patient navigator program could improve access to services, expand social support networks and enhance postoperative mobility for patients undergoing spine surgery at Duke Hospital. Team members worked directly with patients from their first appointment through recovery, providing education, resources and individualized support.

Over the year, the team enrolled 22 patients in the program, whose average age was 62.6 and included 10 men and 12 women. Eleven trained patient navigators, paired undergraduate and medical students, met with patients before and after surgery, connected them to healthcare resources such as MyChart, facilitated goal setting, monitored recovery through biweekly calls and provided mobility assistance during hospitalization. Surveys revealed a significant reduction in reported distress levels from pre- to postoperative stages. Eighty percent of participants expressed satisfaction with the program and a willingness to recommend it, while 75% credited the navigators with improving their overall surgical experience.

In addition to patient support, the team contributed to three systematic reviews on spine-related topics, with findings prepared for publication. Undergraduate members presented their research at local and national conferences, gaining experience in clinical shadowing and patient interaction, while medical student leads developed skills in leadership, communication and scholarly productivity, including first-author publications. The program’s integrated model of clinical support, resource navigation and academic collaboration demonstrated promise in improving patient outcomes.

Timing

Fall 2024 – Summer 2025

Team Outputs

Systemic reviews (3) in preparation for publication

Abstracts (10) accepted for oral or poster presentations at national and local conferences

Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Research Day (Jagger Award, March 18, 2025)

Spine Surgery Patient Navigators (Poster presentation at Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase, April 16, 2025; Runner-up, Bass Connections Showcase Poster Competition)

See earlier related team, Spine Surgery Patient Navigators (2023-2024).