Functions Of A Patient Advocate In The Society

By Sally Delacruz


Provision of advocacy services has been termed as one of the fastest upcoming career. According to US News &World report and the Entrepreneur magazine, advocacy has been identified as career that is emerging on its own. Medical professionals, social workers, entrepreneurs looking at an emerging market niche are examples of people who have the skills, interest and even the qualifications to become a patient advocate. This is because advocacy has many aspects.

The health care systems in different countries have become so tenuous that patients have been forced to seek the services of intermediaries in the name of advocates to help them navigate through the challenges in the health care systems. This decision has been informed by the fact that doctors and nurses are not enough in helping patients overcome the challenges in the system such as those of medical insurance.

Advocates may come to you aid in pursuing insurance claims, help you in reviewing hospital bills, explain a diagnosis and its treatment or be with you regularly at home to monitor your recovery. Medical advocacy is arguably one of the most confusing and one that has a profound impact on the positive outcome of every medical process.

A medical advocate will take part in the deliberations between the sick individual and the doctor. It is the duty of the specialist to help clients make up his mind on tough medical decisions, monitor hospital services to ensure the person gets the best and closely look in the medication such drugs to ensure they are correct dosage. He or she may even ensure the sick is in appropriate conditions to prevent the risk of infection.

The advocate may play simple tasks such as overseeing transportation of patients or their movement into nursing homes.

The advocate plays an extremely important role when it comes to communication. He or she has to ensure that their client is fully informed on the requirements of the health provider such as the various stipulated rules and procedures. He maintains that the health care provider has all the vital medical information concerning his client. It is the role of the expert to link the client and medic hence ensuring everything goes on smoothly without any anxiety or strain.

There is no special accreditation or license that is required to venture in this field, institutions such as colleges and universities have come up with special program mes meant to equip advocates with skills. They organize workshops and others even offer certificates. Basic legal knowledge is also of benefit. One is required to be updated on legislation and rules that have been enacted with regard to self advocacy services. Therefore self education is paramount.

In taking care of the sick, the advocate must always ensure that he or she does not get too much attached with the former to an extent of affecting his or her work. The latter must be supportive and believe in the patient. At times one has to act as spokesperson. Therefore the best person for the job must be caring and possess many more personal skills. A spouse, chaplain or even family members may play this role.




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