HONOURABLE MENTION PROJECT WINNER: HOPE +

Kayla Ross
Nova Scotia Health

Kayla Ross was awarded an Honorable Mention HOPE Award for her project, ‘Drug Access Navigation: A Streamlined Approach for Equal Access for All Cancer Patients’.

The escalating cost of optimal cancer therapies and the complexity of Canada’s drug coverage system inspired Kayla’s initiative to ensure that every cancer patient, regardless of income or location, had equal access to life-saving therapies in Nova Scotia.

In the past, Nova Scotia lacked a defined Drug Access Navigator role with little to no training and education. Patients relied on nursing staff, physicians, and social workers for assistance with funding, which often led to delays in starting treatment due to limited resources and time. Reporting structures varied across the province and leadership did not have experience with drug funding, causing inconsistencies in how the role was executed and delays.

Design: The project consisted of collecting data to highlight the growing demand and gaps in patient care, the rising number of oncology drug funding requests, wait times, inconsistencies in funding processes, and variations in reporting structures across the region. These efforts provided a strong foundation for advocating for change and building a unified, efficient system.

Results: Nova Scotia Drug Access Navigators supported over 3,800 cancer patients this past year. The average number of patients that are seen monthly grew from 89 in 2016 to 323 in 2024. A new reporting structure with experienced leadership was created and has resulted in overall growth of the Drug Access Navigator team, significant increase of patients supported, equal access for patients across the province, consistent and ongoing education and resources for onboarding and training staff and a clear Drug Access Navigator job description.

This project’s measurable outcomes, including data on patient wait times, program participation, job satisfaction, and process improvements, showed a clear, positive impact. These results not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the initiative but also provide a solid foundation for scaling the program to other regions in the future.