Patient Navigator serves as a health promotion advocate in the Emergency Departments HealthNow Program, a population health-focused program using a systemic approach to address health needs in a more proactive way with a focus on patients who may be living with HIV, Hepatitis C, substance use, etc. Participates in identifying and intervening with populations most at risk for threats to health and well-being at the earliest opportunity and helping them connect with community resources to improve health outcomes. Under the direction of the Clinical Manager or Project Leader, and in cooperation with all the members of the patient care teams, performs a wide range of clinical-support and administrative functions to fully support the program. In a professional manner, interviews patients to elicit health needs history; administers questionnaire in a courteous, professional, and empathetic manner; coordinates point-of-care testing as applicable; based on responses, refers to appropriate HealthNow Program team members for further referral to community resources; maintains patients records ensuring strict confidentiality; maintains appropriate tracking and reporting systems; collects, analyzes and compiles data for inclusion in progress reports. Supports various community-based clinical research studies; assists with the organization and maintenance of study files and documents; assists with the timely and accurate data entry of study specific data.

The Patient Navigator is responsible for carrying out successful screening of patients presenting to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center facilities (East and Main campus) for various health related services such as OUD/SUD, HIV testing, HCV education, harm reduction education, naloxone distribution, addressing non-clinical barriers preventing engagement with the health system and utilizing inclusion and exclusion criteria for participation in the clinical services and research studies. The Patient Navigator will be trained to provide education and services for health promotion and education. Additionally, the Patient Navigator may work in a variety of settings as necessary to complete work as approved by medical director, relevant stakeholders, and administrators that promote implementation, system redesign, education and quality initiatives.

Essential Functions:

Screen patients for various health related services.

Approach patients and explain HealthNow program processes/services.

Consent and enroll participants in eligible research studies.

Complete system approved point of care clinical and confirmatory tests for diagnostic screening and assessment (e.g., rapid HIV test under CLIA waiver with Insti confirmatory test, risk screening, and discuss test results with the patient).

Refer the patient to the next level of care or linkage services as indicated.

Job Description

Approximately 70%: Clinical Role

Address patient concerns through active listening and escalate as needed to the care team. Research and remain up to date on available services/programs both within and outside of the OSU network that may benefit patients in order to successfully match patient needs with resources. Maintain appropriate tracking and reporting systems and complete other related duties as assigned by Clinical Manager. Work closely with appropriate clinical services and linkage to care teams to ensure referrals are completed and patients' needs are assessed. The Patient Navigator employs motivational interviewing (MI), open ended questions and client centered counseling to collect patient information and ensure the necessary information is promptly passed on to the linkage coordinator or the care team. This role involves multi-disciplinary teams and collaboration.

Approximately 30%: Research Role

Provides assistance in support of clinical research studies being conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine; participates in the recruitment of study participants; collects and provides relevant data to be used in assessing eligibility of patients for participation in protocols; assists with administration of informed consent process; assists with cognitive testing both clinically and for research visits; assists principal investigator (PI) and sub-investigator with continuity of care of study patients during and between clinic visits; assists with collection, entering, maintenance and reporting of clinical research data; assists with analysis and interpretation of research data; enters protocol, medical history, and demographic information abstracted from patient charts into appropriate data capturing system; enters patient clinical data into electronic medical record system; reviews data and progress notes with research specialists, CRCs, principal investigator and sponsor agencies as appropriate; composes and responds to correspondence from principal investigators; prepares appropriate protocol files for data audits; assists with development of data collection plan and forms for new research protocols; prepares summaries of research results for protocol evaluation, abstract and manuscripts.

Minimum Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. CHW preferred but not required.

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About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.

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