Functions Of A Patient Advocate In The Society

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 come to you aid in pursuing insurance claims, help you in reviewing hospital bills, explain a diagnosis and its treatment or be with you regularly at home to monitor your recovery. Medical advocacy is arguably one of the most confusing and one that has a profound impact on the positive outcome of every medical process.

A medical advocate will take part in the deliberations between the sick individual and the doctor. It is the duty of the specialist to help clients make up his mind on tough medical decisions, monitor hospital services to ensure the person gets the best and closely look in the medication such drugs to ensure they are correct dosage. He or she may even ensure the sick is in appropriate conditions to prevent the risk of infection.

It is the role of every expert to help the patient move around. In fact the society has left the duty of moving the ageing sick to nursing home upon them. They are highly qualified personnel and know there work. They see to it that the old that are sick in the society get to nursing homes successfully and also help in payment whenever need arises.

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.

In taking care of the sick, the advocate must always ensure that he or she does not get too much attached with the former to an extent of affecting his or her work. The latter must be supportive and believe in the patient. At times one has to act as spokesperson. Therefore the best person for the job must be caring and possess many more personal skills. A spouse, chaplain or even family members may play this role.




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