SUSU LADY???

Last night was the focus group discussion at GCN and man Nikki and I know how to put together the craziest group of women. The sad part is they all KNOW each other so they never shut up! [BUT IN THIS SITUATION IT IS OK!] The focus group in my opinion went GREAT! Everyone gave input and kept the conversation going. Everyone played off of everyone's suggestions and ideas. When asked what a Patient Navigator should know, the women said their top 3 things were: RESPECT, SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY. The Chamorro culture is very big on respect, all of our beliefs are based off of respect. They said the referrals would feel more comfortable with the PN's if they had the same respect towards them as they would receive. Another major point was having knowledge about the culture and language. Even if the PN is not Chamorro but they have lived on the island and they know the basic words in Chamorro, that the referral would feel more comfortable with them. The last major theme was confidentiality. Chamorro people or just people in general, don't like having their business put out there for everyone to know. So I think the women really stressed that the PN needs to know that whatever is said between the PN and the referral is only between them. The women had also mentioned that the program really needs to start in Guam so that the people know when they come to the mainland, there will be a PN there already waiting for them. Maybe the program can potentially produce a brochure or get some ads on GUAM PDN. I think overall the topics and ideas that were discussed were extremely helpful for Auntie Lou and Diana. I learned even more about the Patient Navigation Program and I hope I can contribute to the progression of the program. :D I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS!!! Oh! It was hilarious hearing Auntie Lou tell us about how people call her the SUSU LADY because she is always out in the Community talking about breast cancer. HAHA! Man Auntie Lou has no shame but we still LOVE HER! Her story was quite educational! =]
<3