How can you explain patient advocacy to someone who is unfamiliar with the concept?

Sadly, this is the perspective on advocacy that can ruin the good collaboration between patients and professionals @Joy. No one has all the answers: not professionals, not patients. We simply MUST start thinking as partners and collaborate with each other to identify the problems and find the solutions TOGETHER. We don't stay in our lanes, we intertwine to ensure we hit the real targets that matter to patients. Without it, you as a professional has nothing. Lay patients, expert patients and family caregivers alike can contribute meaningfully. As can healthcare professionals and topic experts. We all have a role because as mentioned before no one has all the answers. Collaboration and mutual respect is key.

Patient Advocacy is having another person with you to support you, remind you of questions you wanted to ask, help you remember the conversation listen vs. giving your opinion help the person sort out what was said after the appointment getting a contact on the phone even if it takes one hour on hold just being present

Patient advocacy is the vital implementation of having the patient, family and caregivers respected and “heard” so mutual collaboration and partnerships are evident during healthcare and social service delivery, policy development and “daily living”functional outcomes. It is essential to have patient engagement and input at every level of the process from initial touch points (warm greetings and way-finding) through discharge and follow up of care. Also, patient advocacy involves understanding the factors that influence access to healthcare and other services which requires comprehension of social determinants or drivers of health. Thus, patient advocacy involves building a rapport and relationship with a mutual exchange of communication.

Patient advocacy involves individuals with lived healthcare experience actively working to improve safety and quality in healthcare. These advocates, leveraging their unique perspectives and dedicating their time, help in various ways. This can range from assisting others in navigating the healthcare system to playing significant roles in shaping the design and delivery of healthcare services. A key element of successful advocacy is the advocate's confidence in their experiences and the courage to challenge systemic issues that negatively impact patient care. This combination of support and critique is vital for creating a healthcare system that genuinely meets patient needs.

Advocacy is traditionally speaking up for the rights and needs of others. Patient advocacy as defined here has been limited to that role some individuals take on to speak up for a patient that may not have the agency in the moment to do so - and so that may be a health professional, carer, family member or paid role. However it can be so much broader. It can be patients or carers or representatives of such that want broader change in the health system or for a health condition, usually based in lived experience. And they will use their time and voice in public, on committees, within research, working and partnering with others to help effect that change.

Patient Advocacy is all about giving patients a loud, authoritative voice in a situation in which they might not have had one. While our modern healthcare system is capable of incredible things, and can offer a patient hope when none might not have previously existed, it sometimes falls short by not bringing together everything that is known about a patient before a path forward is chosen, a path forward that is sometimes too scripted and not sufficiently thoughtful. This can be worse when the patient is an older adult and may not have the ability to advocate for themselves. Hope this helps!

Patient advocacy can take many forms, all of them aimed at improvement of a patient experience within a medical system that does not address their issues effectively. It can be personal advocacy for an individual patient within the system at a point in time. But it can also take forms aimed at changing the medical system such as legislative reform or patient representation in clinical trial design. But all forms pf patient advocacy address a medical system that is not working properly for patients.

Patient advocacy offers an invaluable peace of mind, acting as a vital shield in the often complex and overwhelming world of healthcare. This support can not help you to save a fortune, but it can even save ... your life !! By ensuring that your medical care is both effective and tailored to your unique needs, patient advocates play a crucial role in preventing medical errors and miscommunications helping you to be confident, capable and in control.

In my personal opinion, patient advocacy (although it can be complex) is often simple. It’s giving a voice to those who don’t know how to use theirs or maybe haven’t found it quite yet. It’s delivering support, compassion, and healthy boundaries in a healthcare setting on behalf of somebody who needs the added support and ensuring they get quality care, and that they are being heard. As a previous patient advocate one of the most important parts of the work we do is education & mediation, helping to de-escalate miscommunications, or misunderstandings, and making the experience less scary and frustrating. That is a HUGE benefit of patient advocacy- creating a happier and healthier healthcare environment for both the professional and patient.

The healthcare arena has become unnecessarily complex which requires a broad understanding of both your insurance benefits and the healthcare delivery system. ??

Patient advocacy comes in SO many forms. What I believe is sometimes a barrier is time and complexity. Patients and families not only have to learn about the disease or condition but also navigate complex systems. Patient advocacy can come in many different forms. Recently, I have experienced some phenomenal (and unfortunately poor examples as well) of patient advocacy. This included a NP taking time to sit down and visit with both my mom and dad. She really listened to worries, fears, concerns and patiently answered their questions. Another example was someone helping us when we looked lost. It's not only about the information but the delivery of that information. We were pleased with what a "well oiled machine" they had there.

I appreciate there are so many forms patient advocacy comes in. Three that come to mind include: professional patient advocates who can assist a patient/family on a multitude of healthcare issues like access, billing, plan of care. Next are advocates in patient organizations such as and disease state non-profit support groups. These can be small or very large and often offer education, unique perspectives, and perhaps resources. Lastly are patient advocates in the pharmaceutical industry. Although they take steps not to influence the care and treatment a patient receives, they work closely with patients and families to understand their challenges in order to improve the programs offered by the pharmaceutical company.

Patient advocacy runs the gamut from self-advocacy to professional patient advocacy. All patient advocacy that moves the health of the patient forward is good advocacy. Perhaps the most important example is empowering patients to advocate for themselves. Asking questions and speaking up is the basis of patient-centered care where the patient makes decisions about their own healthcare. Sometimes, self-advocacy isn't possible. This is where professional patient advocates can be the key to optimizing the patient experience. Professional patient advocates have the knowledge to help educate the patient and resolve problems they are experiencing.

My adopted hashtag/mantra is #NurseAdvocacyIsPatientAdvocacy because when you think of all the things nurses ask for, it always in the name of good patient care. I suspect this can be said of all healthcare workers. Nobody chooses this path for selfish reasons. It’s a lifestyle choice which often means placing value on the well-being of others. There are so many ways to achieve patient advocacy. Some are direct (the previous post describes these examples) which are functions of our role and duties of that role, but nurses can take it farther via advocacy with local and federal legislators. The ANA and your state professional nursing organizations can offer guidance on how to best serve your communities through your education/experiences.

As a board certified registered nurse coach one way that I advocate, for my patients is through active listening. It is important to understand how the patient discusses health concerns with their doctor, and how the doctor has provided care. Often times a doctor doesn’t understand what the patient is truly attempting to express, as it is common that a patient is either afraid or cannot find the right terms to express their concern. For my patients, I use active listening and compare it to the treatment plan and focus on the patients current satisfaction. Based on the patient’s answers, I provide feedback and suggestions of conversations to have with the doctor at the next visit.

Concerned on this point, all the required skills and qualities you mention must also be required by the researchers. To say that it needed is actually creating and adding the barriers research does not need, including the concept that you lack the trust of patient advocates. As an Advocate in research I have only seen issues within the research organisations, none from an Advocate. The expertise patients, carers and family members bring is their lived experience, not something that can be taught or defined as will be as different as their experiences, their treatment and care. Advocates come from many walks of life, careers and education, with integrity that is higher than your perspective implies. The barriers are there, remove them.

Patient advocacy is about championing patients' needs and rights within the healthcare system. Advocates are the voice of those who might be unheard, ensuring access to necessary care, information, and respect. They must possess empathy, clear communication, and the ability to navigate medical and administrative hurdles. They're not just supporters; they're vital allies in a patient's health journey, upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity. And I'll add another point: they must be tenacious in their advocacy. Patients are dealing with many medical challenges, and it can wear them down. For whatever reason, our society seems to punish patients who champion for themselves. But an advocate can level the playing field.

Key skills and attributes for a patient advocate must include: 1. Empathy: Ability to understand and resonate with the patient's concerns 2. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey information clearly and advocate effectively 3. Knowledge: Understanding of healthcare systems, patient rights, medical terminology, and available resources 4. Problem-solving: Capability to identify issues, navigate complex situations, and find solutions 5. Listening: Active listening skills to comprehend patient needs and concerns 6. Ethical approach: Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality 7. Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust advocacy strategies based on varying patient needs and healthcare environments

In my professional opinion, I do not believe that there is a simple definition of this. I think advocacy can mean different things to different groups of people. Advocacy can mean to one individual telling their healthcare provider preference they have as a part of their healthcare journey. It can also mean, sharing their lived experience as a patient at a national congressional hearing to raise awareness for their specific situation. That’s the most beautiful part of patient advocacy is that there are varying ranges of involvement for everyone.

The most important skill required in becoming a patient advocate is to learn how to listen to (other) patients in order to gather experience and understanding/compassion for the diversity of experiences.

Clinical trials involve patients who are often unwell and nervous, while also looking to the trial team for hope. Trials need a patient advocate right from the design stage, to ensure that we accommodate the needs, expectations and sensitivities of patients and families. A clinical trial is a 2 way relationship, and the patient needs someone on their side to make sure that the trial will deliver the best experience for them.

I have found that becoming a patient advocate starts with one's own patient advocacy and speaking up to one's symptoms, issues, and experiences, becoming a stakeholder and part of your own care team. The best experience to further patient advocacy is to engage in a lobby day with a Patient Advocacy Organization on a State or Federal level and share your experience with legislators asking for support for legislation or policy impacting your patient community and how the legislation would've changed your's and your patient communities experiences and outcomes. It's indescribably powerful knowing sharing your story can move legislation, changing yours & your patient communities lives & care for the better, and makes you a better advocate.

There are different aspects to advocacy. As academics and healthcare professionals specialise , it is unrealistic to expect all advocates to become expert in all aspects including different IT systems. policies of institutions, organisations etc, take online courses as if a professional role. Having been involved for over 10 years, I have invested a lot of time, money and life improving my knowledge and contributing yet not seen much attitudinal shift from some involved in studies. Reimbursement of legitimate expenses and remuneration for time at rates set in 2011 is often a stretch for some who seek to involve us in their work to help further careers or reputations. Support rather than criticise and improve collaboration.

Educate Yourself: Learn about the healthcare and poltical system, patients' rights, and medical conditions. Knowledge is your toolbox. Develop Communication Skills: Sharpen your ability to listen, explain complex information simply, and negotiate effectively. Cultivate Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of patients. Understand their experiences to advocate passionately and effectively. Build a Network: Connect with healthcare professionals, support groups, and other advocates. A strong network can be invaluable. Stay Informed and Adaptable: Healthcare policies and treatments evolve. Stay updated and be ready to adapt to new challenges.

To explain patient advocacy to someone unfamiliar with the concept, start by describing it as a role that ensures patients' needs and rights are prioritized in healthcare settings. Emphasize that advocates work not only with patients but also coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure the patient’s voice is heard and respected. Highlight that this role is critical in navigating the often overwhelming healthcare system, particularly for those facing serious health issues or barriers to accessing care. Advocates are a crucial link between patients and the healthcare world, striving to create a more patient-centered experience.

My personal experience as a nurse patient advocate is to help others go from being diagnosed or labeled with a disease to finding their own defined place of healing. This is a very personal and unique experience for all those involved including the patient, family, healthcare providers, and the nurse advocate.

One of the most valuable aspects of patient advocacy is empowering individuals to advocate for themselves. This includes asking questions, seeking second opinions, and being proactive in their healthcare decisions. For example, imagine someone receives a serious diagnosis like cancer. A patient advocate can help them understand their treatment options, connect them with support groups or resources for financial assistance, and ensure they are actively involved in decisions about their care. Similarly, in a peer group setting, patient advocacy might involve educating others about health conditions, challenging stigma or misconceptions, and promoting empathy and support for those dealing with medical challenges.

AI-Enhanced Patient Advocacy for Ultimate Health - As a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, I utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to guide clients in understanding their health insurance and employee benefits, streamline their billing processes, and optimize their overall health. AI enables precise analysis of complex insurance details, and medical events, ensuring my clients maximize their benefits. This approach not only eases financial burdens but also directs clients towards effective health management, leading to their best wellness possible and saving them valuable time, money & energy.

Patient advocates are people who work alongside patients and caregivers to ensure they are receiving quality, patient-centered care. They do this by providing support and education to enable the patient/caregiver to make their own best decisions about their healthcare.