Cultural Navigation Program
What are cultural navigators?
Cultural navigators are part of your child’s healthcare team. They teach you how to navigate the healthcare system by helping you learn how to:
- Schedule appointments.
- Help you fill out forms.
- Request interpreter services.
- Seek financial assistance.
- Connect you with resources and services at Seattle Children’s.
- Arrange transportation.
Who qualifies for a cultural navigator?
Cultural navigators teach families with cultural, language and/or health literacy needs to navigate the healthcare system. Your family may qualify if at least two of these are true:
- Your child has complex medical needs and gets care from multiple clinics at Seattle Children’s.
- Your family is having a hard time understanding the diagnosis or treatment options.
- Your family is new to Seattle and needs help understanding the healthcare system.
- Your culture or religion is impacting your child’s care.
- Your family has missed appointments at Seattle Children’s.
How do I get a cultural navigator?
Talk with your child’s healthcare team at Seattle Children’s (doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse or social worker). They can ask for a cultural navigator for you.
If a healthcare provider in the community refers you to Seattle Children’s for healthcare, they can also request a cultural navigator.
Once we receive your referral, a cultural navigator will call you. They can also come see you if your child is in the hospital. They will explain the program and ask if you would like their help. You will not have to pay for this service – it is free for families.
What’s special about cultural navigators at Seattle Children’s?
Seattle Children’s is the only pediatric hospital in Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho with a cultural navigation program.
Data shows that navigators help patients at Seattle Children’s get the care they need. After joining the Cultural Navigation Program children are:
- Less likely to miss appointments
- Less likely to need a hospital stay (lower inpatient admission rate)
- Able to go home sooner when admitted to the hospital (lower average length of stay)