How can you include patient advocates in the healthcare team and decision-making?

1 What is a patient advocate?

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.

2 Why should you include a patient advocate in your healthcare team?

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.

3 How can you find a patient advocate?

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.

4 How can you choose a patient advocate?

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.

5 How can you work with a patient advocate?

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.

6 How can you evaluate a patient advocate?

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.