Importance Of Patient Advocate In The Society

By Arline Bradley


Advocates are primarily involved in taking care of the interests of the patient and ensure they remain knowledgeable on health plans. The role of patient advocate is played by persons individually or through organizations.

Advocates links the patients and the health care provider. Most of the people doing these jobs normally have some experience when it comes to health care or even social work. They may be doctors or nurses. The field of nursing has given advocacy some special attention when it comes to training.This advocacy is an important field when covering nursing ethics.

Advocacy may entail simple responsibilities such as overseeing the transport of patients and supervising their transfer into nursing homes.

Though no licensing or special qualifications are required to offer these services, institutions such as colleges and universities have come up with special programme 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.

This advocacy means acting as a link between the patients and the health care provider.It 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 provide the health care provider relevant information such as previous health problems of the patient. This promotes quick recovery by ensuring he or she does not have to undergo unnecessary stress or anxiety.

It involves taking up important duties such; ensuring the patient and his or her family has access to relevant medical materials that have been published, keeping family members, health provider and any other relevant person informed, ensure recording and treatment is done correctly, ensure resolution of disputes on behalf of the client and protect confidential information.

Advocates may also have positions in organizations that offer advisory opinion on health care issues. They ensure that the organizations put into consideration the interests and concerns of patients when making recommendations. They go a notch higher to ensure promotion of best practices in health care services. The government has been a key player in this by ensuring enforcement of these practices and handling complains through the set public offices.

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 the patient are the best for the job. A family member, a child, a spouse or even a chaplain may play this role. Services of professionals such as doctors or nurses may also be sought.




About the Author:



0 commentaires:

Enregistrer un commentaire