What do you do if patients in advocacy need emotional and psychological support?

As a dermatologist, I prioritize patient well-being, including emotional and psychological support. For patients in advocacy needing such support, I offer empathetic listening, validate their feelings, and provide resources for professional counseling if needed. I emphasize holistic care, recognizing the impact of skin conditions on mental health. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment, ensuring patients feel heard and supported throughout their journey.

Anxiety about medical conditions may be anxiety about medical decision making. Anxiety is faceless and careful observation is required to spot it so an advocate as part of their process needs to record physical signs, expressions, patients use during conversation. When there is a change in the normal behaviour you will be able to notice it fast to provide intervention early. Anxiety can portray in many ways such as not making a definitive decision, and others, becomes apathetic to answering questions on management and rather just answer " do what ever you think is right" is not always disassociating but could rather be the inability to control their anxiety

Pay attention to signs of emotional distress or psychological struggles that patients may exhibit. These signs could include changes in behavior, mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, or expressions of sadness or hopelessness. Recognizing these signs early on can help you offer timely support and intervention. Example: If a patient frequently cancels appointments, seems disengaged during discussions, or appears unusually anxious, these could be signs that they need emotional support.

As many research and (empiric) publication has talked about emotional states of patients with disease management improvent, the psychoemotional aspect to address as common practice, from family doctors up to specialist treatment. Take an exampe of autoimmune diseases, there is an interplay between emotion (fundamental emotional responses) and immune system. I believe, by simply provide ‘check box of emotional condition of patient’ in every medical palractitioner’s mind that equally important to other treatment modalities, we can do so much better for our patients..

Dealing with patients from different walks of life and presenting with various health conditions can be challenging. It is always a priority for healthcare givers to make sure they meet the physical, mental, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients & promote quality of care. For patients in advocacy, we need to listen and feel how they feel and provide for the necessary services and resources to help meet their needs. Healthcare workers should be educated/trained in the necessary strategies and procedures needed to promote quality care. Respecting resident rights is a big step toward caring.

I couldn't agree with @Sandra Washington more! Patients with mental health, pain management and substance use disorder are frequently shut down or shut out of multiple providers b/c those providers think the patient is drug seeking, lying or faking it. Sometimes practicing active listening can be therapeutic for these patients. They just want to be seen, heard and believed. Regardless of whether the problem for what they're seeking care for exists or not, it is 100% true for that patient. Continued active listening builds relationships between you and the patient. Then they begin to feel safe telling you the truth, which I absolutely need as a pharmacist. Without a true picture of what a patient is really taking, I can't fully do my job.

Active listening is just one part of the solution related to advocating with or on behalf of a patient who is facing mental health challenges. The advocate should also use active hearing and speaking. Listening to listen and listening to hear and understand what the patient is experiencing is a skill that is often not used but should be. Doing so allows the patient to freely discuss what problems they are experiencing and as a result the correct resources can be provided to the patient.

Supporting patients in advocacy often involves more than just addressing their physical needs. If patients require emotional and psychological support, it's essential to provide a compassionate ear, validate their feelings, and connect them with appropriate resources such as counseling services or support groups. Encouraging them to express themselves openly and providing empathy can also be beneficial in helping them navigate their challenges.

Practice active listening when patients express their feelings, concerns, or experiences. Give them your full attention, validate their emotions, and avoid interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Sometimes, all a person needs is to be heard and understood. Example: If a patient shares feelings of loneliness or frustration, you might respond with empathetic statements like, "I hear you, and I'm here to support you."

From my 29 years in healthcare I’ve learned that the most effective method of discerning what support is needed is to simply listen to the patient. Not so that you can regurgitate any of your stock responses and move on, but to truly understand their needs and appropriately plan a course of action. It is also important to be aware of any and all resources in your community that the patient can be connected to either directly or through referral. Listening with an educated mind and an empathetic heart can be the foundation on which your interventions can be built.

As an oncology nurse I know that most of my patients are highly anxious and navigating resources is a highly anxiety producing activity. Often times they are not eligible for every resource. Recently I consolidated around 120 AYA resources down to 20 that a patient was actually eligible for. It was everything from oncology support, camp/ retreats, scholarships, financial aid etc. he was actually eligible for. He was so thankful and you could tell it eased his burden significantly. His shoulders relaxed and he was able to glance at the document we made for him and see all of the support he was eligible for. We also sent him the resource via email with hyperlinks to the websites. A little effort goes a long way for our patients.

I have created a list of Mental health resources I used in my journey to wellness. Most of them free to Canadians. I can share pros and cons to each as I have completed them all. CMHA Recovery College or Collabrative Learning College offer many free virtual courses. From Resume writing to Stand Up Comedy for Mental Health and a Peer Networking Group.

Nothing worse than adding another thing to their overloaded task list. Ask them what resources they need. They don't need another page with a list of companies, agencies and numbers to call. If they are in need of support, offer them resources but also include guidence with that resource that helps with expectations, goals, and reality of what happens in the process.

I would discuss with the patient to see if they are receptive to some resources. Forcing their hand serves no purpose. Include Social Work or Case Management if needed.

Research shows that men have more difficulty accepting mental health care than women. The cache of resources should include some specific to each gender and culture. Anyone who does not feel comfortable when receiving mental health care will stop attending.

Encourage patients to express their feelings, fears, or concerns openly and honestly. Create a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. Example: Ask open-ended questions like, "How are you feeling today?" or "Is there anything on your mind that you'd like to talk about?"

Giving patients the ability to express themselves could potentially empower them in their own care. This can give them the tools to make better decisions upon discharge.

In my experience, creating an environment to facilitate the ability to openly express ideas, concerns, fears, and support avenues is paramount. Provide active listening, validate their feelings, and avoid trying to instantly solve the perceived problem. This empowers patients to define what means most to them allows them to define what resources will add value for them in their journey.

Building resilience can also be be regarded as paving the pathway. 1. Explain current position and the goal. 2. Break down the path into manageable bits: 2.a. Administration and Appointments 2.b Clinical assments, pathology, radiology, histology, etc. 3. Review progress and reassess the path to the goal. 4. Be realistic 5. Open communication. Utilising empathy, compassion, but keeping is on point and not creating false hope.

Help patients build resilience and coping skills to better manage stress, challenges, and emotional distress. Offer guidance on relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, or coping strategies that can empower them to navigate difficult times more effectively. Example: Teach patients deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation techniques to help them reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

While it's important to offer support and empathy, it's also crucial to maintain professional boundaries. Be mindful of your role as an advocate and avoid taking on the emotional burden of patients' struggles. Encourage patients to seek specialized help when needed. Example: If a patient's emotional needs exceed your scope of practice, recommend they consult with a mental health professional or counselor for specialized support.

When individuals in advocacy need emotional support, I apply the OBSERVE approach. Firstly, I prioritize open communication, encouraging them to express their feelings freely. Being present and empathetic, I create a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and understood. I also show empathy by considering cultural and socioeconomic factors, ensuring their experiences are validated and respected. Additionally, I provide holistic mental health support, empowering them to navigate challenges effectively. This comprehensive approach addresses diverse needs, enhancing their overall well-being.

Remember that each patient is unique, and their needs for emotional and psychological support will vary. It's important to approach each situation with empathy, compassion, and respect, tailoring your support strategies to meet the individual needs and preferences of each patient. Encourage ongoing communication, and be open to feedback to continuously improve your advocacy efforts.