Here's how you can excel as a Patient Advocate in the future.

As a nurse, with years of experience,I pride myself in learning something new each day. I still subscribe to online health information sites to stay abreast, and take classes to stay up to date. Healthcare advances in oncology are changing rapidly and knowing where to find the most up to date information is very important.

I agree, we need to know how to act accordingly when in different environments. Understanding the territory we are in, which can be many depending on the day, & how to operate. It is a win win to not only the client but the staff as well.

I have mentored many therapists. My best advice is to become a life long learner. There continues to be new information to learn through courses , publications , particularly online learning. I tend to follow relevant journal articles to keep myself on my toes as to evidenced based practice. I also learn from my colleagues and the populations I serve. If I lack knowledge about something I ask questions and search. I never assume I know everything.

Here is what I discovered, It is wisdom to gather knowledge, experience and skills in the aspect you have interest in, even when the opportunity to show yourself to the world is not there yet. To be a patient advocate is beyond a mere wish or fantasy but hardwork has to be in the place of learning about patients, advocacy and what it takes to be one.

Yes. My view is you must Advocate for a singular policy, cohort, intervention etc. You’ll quickly get bogged down with multiple areas or focus even if you’re very good.

It is important to be able to put ourselves in our clients shoes. I never forget my first times or when I’m on the other end receiving treatment, how vulnerable it can be. You build a better trust/bond when you can reach people at their level.

Empathy is like the backbone to advocacy. Ask me why? You cannot advocate beyond your level of empathy for the people or organisation or situation. It is the driving force to making attempts, taking steps and meeting key people inorder to ensure a change is implemented or necessary care is rendered. Empathy is why you would stay behind with the patient and reassure even after administering prescribed medications.

Holding space is a responsibility in order to effectively provide support. We get so much more information when we just pause, listen and be present with them. Being heard is half the struggle with providers.

Empathy is something that in my opinion should go hand in hand with a health professional, without empathy we are closing ourselves off to a level of intelligence, knowledge and understanding that can be of great contribution. It is what can allow us to grow and offer services.

I always feel that empathy is integral part of patient cantered care. Whilst boundaries between human professional and AI robotics is getting thinner everyday, empathy is the key element of human touch.

Effective communication is crucial. Practice active listening, empathy, and clear, assertive communication to advocate effectively for patients' needs and preferences.

I speak two languages when working. Depending on who I am speaking with. For the medical professionals I speak their language to be more effective & with clients, depending on their level of understanding, I break it down. I always take into consideration how knowledge someone is as I do not want to offend them or make them feel infantile.

It is very important that the need of the patient I am advocating for is clearly communicated to the right authority and how do I know this? It is through the feedback gotten. Communication is not achieved if there is no feedback correlating with the information or message sent.

Communicating is tied in with empathy. Often times I hear from my clients how their providers were defensive with them and through that experience they felt no closer to getting supported than prior to the appointment. Providing resources with comprehensive yet engaging content helps to better explain, increases confidence in autonomous decision making and enhanced quality of care.

One of the things that I have found important in the relationship between health professionals and patients, beyond knowledge, which is very important, as is knowing complete knowledge of the patient's environment, both internal and external factors, knowledge of the health system. , rules, rights... it seems to me sometimes more important than just knowledge, clear, empathetic communication and knowledge about the entire process that is carried out is a plus. People and patients like to be able to clearly understand what is happening with them or their situations through effective communication.

Many times in advocacy, we tend to be very reactive, however to excel as a Patient Advocate in the future, adopting a proactive approach is essential. Proactiveness in advocacy hinges on our ability to thoroughly analyze feedback from those we serve and implement strategies that advance their outcomes. This involves not just responding to immediate concerns but anticipating future needs and challenges. Being proactive requires leveraging data and research to understand where our advocacy efforts currently stand and identifying areas for improvement. By using measurable health metrics and patient feedback, we can develop forward-thinking strategies that drive meaningful change.

Look at the bigger picture. There will be challenges and barriers - its rarely just 1 need that doesn't impact the bigger picture for patients.

When my clients come in, I'm holding space, practicing active listening and assessing what resources may be of greater or equal value to their care. Protectively setting them up with a team that will genuinely be looking out for them now and in the future. In addition, to helping them come up with a plan to discuss with their providers so they feel empowered with their care team and plan.

L'Art infirmier se caractérise par le développement d'une relation de confiance avec le patient et/ou client, centrée sur son expérience, la défense et la promotion de son autonomie, la stimulation d'un environnement sain, la réalisation des soins, la recherche et la participation au développement de la profession et de la politique de santé. L'Art infirmier se fonde sur un jugement professionnel dans les domaines de la promotion de la santé, de l'éducation à la santé, de la prévention de la maladie, des soins urgents, des soins curatifs, des soins chroniques et palliatifs.

Being a Patient Advocate also often means being inconvenient to someone in charge. It is quite common situation when a doctor is on patients side but is challenged by bureaucracy and the way system is built in healthcare. Being proactive means taking those who's in charge accountable while staying polite and reasonable.

Networking significantly aids patient advocacy by expanding advocates' reach, sharing resources, and amplifying voices. Connecting with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders offers access to valuable information and support. It keeps advocates informed about healthcare policies, treatments, and research, empowering them to better advocate for patient needs. Collaborating on advocacy campaigns through networking increases impact and effectiveness. Moreover, building relationships with stakeholders influences decision-makers, driving positive change in healthcare systems and policies. Networking fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective action, enhancing the effectiveness of patient advocacy efforts.

It's crucial to recognize that you can't do everything alone. Building a robust network is essential. Your ability to create an ecosystem of support for the patients you serve makes all the difference. It's not just about what you know; it's about who you know. Establishing strong relationships with healthcare professionals, support groups, and other advocates can significantly enhance your capacity to provide comprehensive and effective assistance to your patients. By building a community you can rely on, you ensure that your patients have access to a wide range of resources. This collaborative approach allows you to address various patient needs more effectively, leveraging the strengths of your network.

Les 8 composantes de la compétence infirmière : - Diagnostiquer de fa?on indépendante les soins infirmiers requis… - Collaborer de manière effective avec d?autres acteurs du secteur de la santé… - Engager de fa?on indépendante des mesures immédiates destinées à préserver la vie et d?appliquer des mesures dans les situations de crise ou de catastrophe… - Apporter de fa?on indépendante des conseils… - Assurer, de fa?on indépendante, la qualité des soins infirmiers et leur évaluation… - Assurer une communication professionnelle complète… - Analyser la qualité des soins afin d?améliorer sa propre pratique professionnelle en tant qu?infirmier responsable de soins généraux…

If you can't find support in one place, go to another. A case from practice: a key healthcare organisation in a city wasn't active in prevention of obesity because of lack of recourses. Absolutely resistant to change. My colleagues and I were vocal about it in our network and got feedback from city municipality, which was also interested in prevention. Recourses were provided t and HCO and a prevention program began.

If we don’t change with the world we can’t work with it as effectively in any capacity. Failure to learn and adapt demonstrates obstinacy, laziness, lack of adaptability or self limiting beliefs. Might not be true, but that is what it can be perceived as. We learn to not be judgemental, but doesn’t automatically mean we are not judged by the outside world.

Keep informed about healthcare policies and legislative changes. Understanding the legal framework can empower you to navigate and influence the system more effectively on behalf of your patients.

I’m just going to repeat what I said earlier because it doesn’t fit, advocacy should come second nature if we know how to work the system we are in. The patient’s wishes might not get a solution so the depth of understanding of the system can allow for you to help them get what they need, deserve and can achieve, but not what they wanted. The mental attitude required is utterly determined and devoted both to the patient and the area of authority that dictates their ultimate success. Following patient requests is being a a spokesperson. Doing what you can to get their rights upheld whilst respecting their original cause and appearing to not excessively deviate from their wishes, this is advocating effectively.