How do you keep patients safe in your advocacy services?

1 Know your scope of practice

As a patient advocate, you need to be clear about what you can and cannot do for your clients. You should have a written agreement that outlines your services, fees, confidentiality, and limitations. You should also be aware of the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to your practice, such as licensing, certification, or accreditation. You should never offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, unless you are qualified and authorized to do so.

2 Communicate effectively

Communication is key to building trust and rapport with your clients and their healthcare providers. You should listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and use plain language to explain complex information. You should also document and confirm all the information you receive and share, such as appointments, test results, referrals, or prescriptions. You should use secure and reliable methods of communication, such as encrypted email, phone, or video calls, and avoid using social media or texting for sensitive matters.

3 Advocate for patient rights

One of your main roles as a patient advocate is to uphold the rights of your clients, such as informed consent, privacy, autonomy, and access to care. You should educate your clients about their rights and responsibilities, and help them voice their concerns, preferences, and goals. You should also support them in making informed decisions, and respect their choices, even if they differ from yours. You should also be prepared to intervene or escalate issues if you witness or suspect any violations of patient rights, such as abuse, neglect, or discrimination.

4 Collaborate with other professionals

As a patient advocate, you are part of a multidisciplinary team that works together to provide the best care for your clients. You should establish and maintain positive and respectful relationships with other professionals, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, or lawyers. You should also coordinate and share relevant information with them, and seek their input or feedback when needed. You should also acknowledge and respect the expertise and boundaries of each professional, and avoid any conflicts of interest or ethical dilemmas.

5 Keep learning and improving

As a patient advocate, you should strive to keep your knowledge and skills up to date and relevant. You should pursue ongoing education and training opportunities, such as courses, workshops, webinars, or conferences. You should also seek feedback and evaluation from your clients, peers, mentors, or supervisors, and use it to improve your practice. You should also follow the standards and guidelines of your profession, and adhere to the code of ethics and conduct of your organization or association.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?