Issue 1/2026
Milanov, A.
Clinical Social Worker, PhD Student at Sofia University «St. Kliment Ohridski» – Sofia
The article examines patient navigation as a complex psychosocial intervention in oncology care and analyzes its role through the main psychological paradigms – cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, systemic and biopsychosocial. Based on a theoretical review and analysis, it is argued that navigation functions simultaneously as a regulator of distress, a mediator in the health system, a stabilizing function in conditions of existential crisis and a mechanism for restoring the sense of control and subjectivity in patients with oncological diseases. The specific features of the Bulgarian context are discussed, including the fragmented health environment, the limited integration of psychosocial support and the presence of systemic barriers that increase the psychological and mental burden of the patient.
Key words: patient navigation, oncology care, psychosocial support in oncology, biopsychosocial approach, integrated care.
Address for correspondence:
A. Milanov
SU, „St. Kliment Ohridski“ – Sofia
1, Kozyak, Str.
1407, Sofia