Navegação de paciente no Brasil: uma pesquisa documental

Abstract

Patient navigation is an innovative, patient-centered care strategy designed to guide and accompany individuals throughout their trajectory in the health system, assisting in overcoming socioeconomic, logistical, psychological, and structural barriers. This care model, originally developed in oncology, is being gradually incorporated into the Brazilian health system, aligning with the principles of comprehensiveness and humanization of care. Objective: To analyze existing documentary guidelines on "Patient Navigation" in Brazil over the last 10 years (2014–2025) and to characterize its concept, the navigator's scope of practice, and synthesize the main advances regarding the implementation of this service and the nurse's competencies. Method: This is descriptive documentary research with a qualitative approach, based on the analysis of three normative documents: Law No. 14.450/2022; COFEN Resolution No. 735/2024; and Ordinance GM/MS No. 6.592/2025, conducted between August and September 2025. Content analysis was performed in three stages: pre-analysis, material organization, and analysis. Results: The analysis evidenced significant advances in consolidating patient navigation as a public policy, especially regarding the role and competencies of the nurse navigator. It was also identified that the program, initially intended for malignant breast neoplasms, has expanded to all neoplasms, reinforcing the importance of care coordination and the incorporation of digital technologies. Conclusion: Patient navigation proves to be a promising strategy to optimize access, reduce barriers, and qualify oncology care, strengthening

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the nurse's leading role in care management. Implications for Nursing and Health: The findings point to the need for continuous training and the development of managerial, communicational, and clinical leadership competencies, consolidating the nurse as a strategic agent in care coordination.