How can you include patient advocates in the healthcare team and decision-making?
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Patient advocates are people who help patients navigate the complex and often confusing healthcare system. They can provide information, support, guidance, and representation for patients and their families, especially when they face challenges or barriers to accessing quality care. But how can you include patient advocates in the healthcare team and decision-making? In this article, you will learn some tips and benefits of involving patient advocates in your care journey.
A patient advocate is someone who acts on behalf of a patient or a group of patients to protect their rights, interests, and preferences. This could be a professional such as a nurse, social worker, or lawyer, or a volunteer like a family member, friend, or peer. A patient advocate can assist with various tasks including finding and communicating with doctors and other providers; understanding diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis; asking questions and expressing concerns; making informed decisions and giving consent; coordinating care and managing appointments; applying for financial assistance or insurance coverage; filing complaints or appeals; seeking a second opinion or referral; and accessing support services and resources.
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Patrick Paul
-Recognize expertise -Establish clear roles -Provide training and support -Foster open communication -Integrate into care planning -Encourage participation in Q.I. initiatives
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Aris Drayton-Vaughan - CPAR, CHAA
Patient Access Specialist at Baptist Health - Central Alabama
Navigating the healthcare universe can be scary and confusing. There should always be a Patient Advocate assigned as part of our patient's case management team. Acting as translators, clarifiers, and patient representatives, Advocates can ease patient fear and uncertainty. Simply good customer service and good patient care.
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Katherine Swain
Self confessed entrepreneur & philanthropist- Company Director- founder & co- chair of NZACN
Aged Care: Monthly meetings in your facility are a great way of providing support and information for resident advocates. Advocates come in all shapes and sizes from the RN on the floor, care givers, allied healthcare professionals, GPs, Nurse Practitioners, external supports , family , Whanau, and independent advocate organisations. These meetings are a great place to : Network Support and nurture Educate Share ideas Set professional boundaries Prepare and develop policy & eat lots of cake !!!
Having a patient advocate on your healthcare team can offer numerous advantages for you and your providers. They can help to improve communication and collaboration, as well as empower you to take part in your care and decision-making. A patient advocate will also make sure that your values, goals, and preferences are respected and honored. Moreover, they can reduce stress, anxiety, and the risk of errors and complications. Furthermore, they can help to improve your satisfaction and outcomes, as well as resolve conflicts and disputes.
Finding a patient advocate depends on your needs, preferences, and resources. Your provider or hospital may have a patient advocacy program or service. You can also look online for patient advocacy organizations or networks that specialize in your condition or situation. Additionally, you can contact your insurance company or employer to see if they offer any patient advocacy benefits or referrals. Furthermore, you could ask your family, friends, or peers if they can recommend a patient advocate or act as one for you. Lastly, you can hire a private patient advocate who charges a fee for their services.
Choosing a patient advocate is an important decision that requires trust and compatibility. You should look for an advocate who has the relevant experience, expertise, and credentials to understand your condition, needs, and goals. Additionally, they should be a good listener who respects your opinions and communicates clearly and effectively. It is also important to find someone who is reliable, responsive, respectful, supportive, empathetic, compassionate, assertive, proactive, resourceful, ethical, honest, and confidential.
Working with a patient advocate is a collaborative process that requires mutual understanding and agreement. It's important to define your expectations and boundaries, as well as share your medical history and records. Involve your patient advocate in your appointments, discussions, and decisions, and be sure to seek their advice, feedback, and support. Follow their recommendations and referrals, inform them of any changes or issues in your care, and appreciate their efforts and contributions.
Evaluating a patient advocate is a way to measure their performance and impact on your care. You can review their actions, results, and outcomes; assess their skills, knowledge, and professionalism; ask for feedback and suggestions; give feedback and testimonials; compare costs and benefits; and decide whether to continue, change, or end your relationship with them. Doing so will help you determine the value of the patient advocate's services.
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Elizabeth Rochin Ph.D., RN
President/CEO, National Perinatal Information Center (NPIC) | Administrative Director, PNQCRI | Obstetric QI | Reviewer of the Year | Chronic Stress in Nursing Leaders Researcher | Preeclampsia Survivor | NICU Mom
Community health workers are the unsung heroes of patient advocacy. Bridging the individual patient’s needs with availability of resources in a patient’s own community setting is key to long-term health and wellness. It is important for a patient and their family/caregivers to define what they are seeking in an advocate, and how to incorporate that vital resource into care.
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