A Patient Advocate Makes Medical Processes Easier

By Sally Delacruz


Provision of patient advocacy services is undoubtedly one of the fastest emerging careers. The institution of a patient advocate has been reinforced by international media and reports. It is a field that has caught the interest of medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, social workers and even entrepreneurs keen on venturing in to a new market niche. The wide scope of advocacy services has made all these have a role to play as a advocate among patients.

The health care systems in different countries have become so tenuous that patients have been forced to seek the services of intermediaries in the name of advocates to help them navigate through the challenges in the health care systems. This decision has been informed by the fact that doctors and nurses are not enough in helping patients overcome the challenges in the system such as those of medical insurance.

Advocates may help you in way like pursuing insurance claims, helping you understand a disease and its treatment or may even monitor your progress from home. Medical advocacy remains one of the most important type of advocacy in determining the outcome of a medical process.

These advocates will be with you in the office of the doctor and ask pertinent questions on your behalf, help you make up your mind when it comes to important and difficult medical decisions, be with you in hospital to ensure you get the best hospital care, get the appropriate drugs or ensure you are not exposed to any infection in hospital conditions.

The advocate may play simple tasks such as overseeing transportation of patients or their movement into nursing homes.

The advocate while acting as a link between the client and the health care provider should ensure that the two sides are furnished with all the vital information. The client needs to be aware of the rules and procedures that have been set by the health care provider. On the other hand, the later needs to have relevant information such as previous health problems of the patient. This promotes quick recovery of the sick individual hence to it that the whole medical process runs smoothly without any strains.

There is no special accreditation or license that is required to venture in this field, institutions such as colleges and universities have come up with special program mes meant to equip advocates with skills. They organize workshops and others even offer certificates. Basic legal knowledge is also of benefit. One is required to be updated on legislation and rules that have been enacted with regard to self advocacy services. Therefore self education is paramount.

Personal skills are very necessary in the delivery of these services. In fact those persons who are caring, empathetic and can put themselves in the shoes of their clients are the best in this field. A family member, a child, a spouse or even a chaplain may play the role of an advocate. Services of professionals such as doctors or nurses may also be sought.




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