Can you provide an example of how you helped a patient overcome a significant barrier to care?
Behavioral
Advocacy
Problem-solving
Communication
This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to advocate for patients, both of which are crucial for a Patient Navigator role.
How to answer
- Use the STAR method to outline the Situation, Task, Action, and Result
- Clearly define the barrier the patient faced and its impact on their care
- Describe the steps you took to address the barrier, including any collaboration with other professionals
- Highlight the outcome and any feedback from the patient or healthcare team
- Emphasize the importance of empathy and communication in your approach
What not to say
- Describing a situation without clear involvement or action taken
- Failing to quantify the impact of your actions
- Not mentioning the patient's perspective or satisfaction
- Overlooking the role of teamwork in overcoming barriers
Sample answer
“In my previous role at a community health clinic, I worked with a patient who struggled to get to their chemotherapy appointments due to transportation issues. I coordinated with local transit services to secure a subsidized transport program tailored for patients. As a result, the patient was able to attend all scheduled treatments, which improved their health outcomes significantly. They expressed immense gratitude for the support, and our clinic saw increased attendance rates in similar cases.”
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