Here's how you can manage conflicting feedback from multiple sources as a Patient Advocate.

Identify the Sources: Pinpoint who is providing the conflicting information. Is it from different doctors, specialists, or even family members? Understanding the source can help assess their expertise and perspective. Clarify the Disagreement: Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions of each source. What are the specific reasons behind each recommendation? Is it a difference in treatment approach, potential side effects, or long-term goals? Gather Medical Records: Review the patient's medical records to see if there's any documented history or rationale behind the different recommendations.

As a medical specialist, managing conflicting feedback as a Patient Advocate involves: Gather Comprehensive Information: Collect all relevant details from multiple sources. Prioritize Evidence-Based Data: Focus on the most credible and scientifically supported feedback. Consult Multidisciplinary Team: Involve other specialists for a well-rounded perspective. Communicate Clearly: Discuss findings and options transparently with the patient. Consider Patient Preferences: Ensure the patient's values and preferences are central to decision-making. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all feedback and decisions made.

In my experience, you want to make sure the patient feels heard and valued in the responses you give them. It is one thing to listen, and it is another to actively listen. This way, you take in their feedback and delineate the right responses to give them. Also, the right choice of word is very important when sounding empathetic.

Conflicting feedback is common when patients have multiple care in separated specialties. The conflict maybe recognized as how the patients understand who owns the plan of care. For example. Issues with Coumadin management when labs are drawn at another facility. Therefore, know and evaluate where the conflict started and let it be resolved to a proper pipeline. Try your best to suggest how the process can be clarified to avoid patient issues.

What the care giver considers relevant may not be what's the patient and their family need the caregiver to know. Take a moment to evaluate the needs of the family that will ultimately provide better adherence to advice once they feel the can trust you value their circumstances.

As a personal healthcare liaison/nurse, I have found that finding a reliable resource or contact person within a company is the best resource to get accurate information and help. Sometimes it can take awhile to find that person, but once I start getting answers that allow movement forward, I keep utilizing that same point of contact. I can fully rely on that person to give me credible information needed to advocate for my clients.

Do diligence to do your own information seeking on latest publications and resources. To update your knowledge base is where you can clarify or offer fact problem information and clarification. I use Up to Date and Epocrates as resources.

Medical providers are subject matter experts when it comes to providing patient care, but at the same time, patients tend to have the best insight into their own illness and tend to recognize changes in their health first. Open dialogue between these two parties is paramount. Neither of them are wrong. These perspective need to be reconciled. Medical providers need to teach and guide, while patients simultaneously choose where the direction they want their care to go.

Mediating discussions is a crucial skill for Patient Advocates when dealing with conflicting feedback. Arrange a discussion with all relevant parties, including healthcare providers, family members, and the patient (if able to participate). Then try to create a neutral environment by choosing a comfortable, private setting where all parties feel at ease to express their views. Establish ground rules: Begin by setting clear guidelines for respectful communication and equal opportunity for all to speak. By effectively mediating discussions, a Patient Advocate can help resolve conflicts, improve communication, and ultimately ensure better patient care and outcomes.

Not every patient or family is as well versed in their care plan. Be sure to take into consideration that their own unique situation may be what works best for their positive outcome. Try to avoid introducing personal biases that may inhibit that the healing of the patient by adding unnecessary stressors.

Make sure the caregiver and patient have adequate resources to be able to communicate effectively, and be provocative in using such tools.

One thing I’ve found helpful is an open conversation without judgement. As having MS, I’ve noticed that having a healthcare background can cause some people to assume that their opinions are not necessarily correct based on my experience.

Analyze and evaluate: Assess the credibility and reliability of each source. Synthesize feedback: Combine feedback to identify patterns and themes. Communicate effectively: Share findings and recommendations with all parties involved.

Listening to the patient and having a conversation can make a positive impression on the patient client relationship. Active listening is key! Taking time to reflect on what is going on in your patients life is essential.