What do you do if healthcare bureaucracies are hindering patient advocacy?

1 Understand the system

The first step to dealing with healthcare bureaucracies is to understand how they work and why they may create difficulties for patient advocacy. Healthcare bureaucracies are large, hierarchical, and rule-based organizations that aim to provide standardized and efficient services to a large number of patients. However, this may also mean that they are rigid, impersonal, and resistant to change. As a patient advocate, you need to be aware of the policies, procedures, and regulations that govern the healthcare system and how they may affect your client's situation. You also need to know who are the key decision-makers and influencers in the system and how to communicate with them effectively.

2 Build relationships

The second step to dealing with healthcare bureaucracies is to build relationships with the people who work in them. Healthcare bureaucracies are made up of human beings who have their own values, goals, and motivations. As a patient advocate, you need to establish rapport, trust, and respect with the healthcare providers, administrators, and staff who are involved in your client's care. You need to show them that you are not there to antagonize or criticize them, but to collaborate and cooperate with them for the benefit of your client. You also need to acknowledge their expertise, experience, and challenges and appreciate their efforts and contributions.

3 Be creative

The third step to dealing with healthcare bureaucracies is to be creative and flexible in finding solutions and alternatives for your client's needs. Healthcare bureaucracies may have limited resources, options, and flexibility to accommodate your client's preferences or requests. As a patient advocate, you need to be resourceful and innovative in exploring different possibilities and scenarios that may work for your client. You need to think outside the box and look for opportunities and loopholes that may exist in the system. You also need to be adaptable and willing to compromise and negotiate when necessary.

4 Be assertive

The fourth step to dealing with healthcare bureaucracies is to be assertive and confident in expressing your client's interests and concerns. Healthcare bureaucracies may have power, authority, and influence over your client's care and outcomes. As a patient advocate, you need to be strong and courageous in standing up for your client's rights and wishes. You need to be clear and concise in communicating your client's goals and expectations and how they can be achieved. You also need to be respectful and professional in addressing any issues or conflicts that may arise in the process.

5 Seek support

The fifth step to dealing with healthcare bureaucracies is to seek support and assistance from other sources and resources that may help you in your role as a patient advocate. Healthcare bureaucracies may be overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting to deal with. As a patient advocate, you need to take care of yourself and your well-being and avoid burnout and frustration. You need to seek support and guidance from other patient advocates, mentors, peers, or organizations that may have similar experiences or expertise in dealing with healthcare bureaucracies. You also need to seek feedback and evaluation from your clients, supervisors, or colleagues to improve your skills and performance as a patient advocate.

6 Celebrate successes

The sixth step to dealing with healthcare bureaucracies is to celebrate successes and achievements that you and your clients have accomplished in the healthcare system. Healthcare bureaucracies may be challenging, demanding, and discouraging to work with. As a patient advocate, you need to recognize and appreciate the positive outcomes and impacts that you and your clients have made in the system. You need to celebrate the small and big wins that you and your clients have attained in overcoming the barriers and difficulties that healthcare bureaucracies may pose. You also need to share and spread the stories and lessons that you and your clients have learned in the journey of patient advocacy.

7 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?