Wednesday, July 30, 2014

What To Know About A Patient Advocate

By Paulette Mason


When people are ill, they are often left more vulnerable. When someone lands in the hospital because they are unwell, it can be stressful for patients and their families. Many times the plans do not go accordingly, judgment may be impaired, and people are not at their best when they do not feel well. It can be a great relief to have people who are on your side and willing to help during such times. Patients can benefit from someone who will offer support them and look out for their best interests, especially when it comes to getting the right care. A patient advocate is a person who offers this aid to patients in need.

Basically, these persons will take on the role of supporters, campaigners, sponsors, promoters, backers, believers and spokespersons. It is essential that patients from a person they trust to do the job. To be effective in this role, one has to be willing to act on behalf of the patient or client. These persons also have to work well with the other members of the patient's health care team, such as doctors or nurses.

Many times, the advocates are the loved ones. This might be a child, close friends, spouse or other member of the family willing to stand up for the patient. There are also professionals. Hospitals usually have these professionals on staff for clients in need. Persons in this profession might be called representatives. Nurses, social workers and chaplains might also take on this role.

As a whole, advocates are meant to cut through the red tape. Patients should always check to see what is accessible in terms of professional advocacy. They may find that health care facilities and hospitals have the necessities to give them the aid they require.

An important first step in advocacy is finding a person to take on the role. Select a person who is trustworthy, good at communicating and assertive. These individuals should be capable and willing to take on all that is needed to play this part. The next step should be figuring out what all you require aid with. Patients might seek help when it comes to asking questions, getting more information, assuring their desires are met, clarifying the care that is available to them and noting important information, among other things.

These persons may be allowed to go to treatments, tests, appointments and procedures with the patients. It is important to check to make sure this is ok with the doctors or caregivers. The sick should be straightforward about what all they expect and need from their advocate so that they can receive all the potential benefits of advocacy.

Family and friends should know that the advocate will also be the spokesperson for the patient. Physicians and other professionals who may administer care services need to know who the patient's advocate is, as well as the best way to get in contact with him or her. Overall, advocates have the potential to be extremely beneficial to patients.

Friends, professionals and family members all have the potential to be successful in this role. It is the duty of the sick person to share what all they need and desire from this aid. Overall, the goal with this advocacy is to guarantee that patients receives as much support as they can in many different respects.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment