Functions Of A Patient Advocate In The Society

By Sally Delacruz


Provision of patient advocacy services is undoubtedly one of the fastest emerging careers. The institution of a patient advocate has been reinforced by international media and reports. It is a field that has caught the interest of medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, social workers and even entrepreneurs keen on venturing in to a new market niche. The wide scope of advocacy services has made all these have a role to play as a advocate among patients.

The health care system, irrespective of the country you hail from, has become extremely tenuous that patients have to find an intermediary between themselves and the health provider. Doctors and nurses are not sufficient anymore to help us navigate through the many problems in the system. Professional private advocates become the best option for patients.

Advocates play numerous roles so far as helping the patient is concerned. They help in pursuing claims with the insurance companies, explaining the diagnosis and treatment of a disease or even in reviewing hospital bills. Medical advocacy remains one of the most important mode of advocacy and is integral to the positive outcome of the treatment process.

They are conspicuously present during the interactions between the ill individual and the doctor and may seek further clarification on behalf of the sick person regarding the medical process. They also offer advisory opinion especially when the client has to make a tough decision or occasionally be with you in the health centers to ensure you get the best services, the right medication or even ensure you are not prone to infection in the hospital.

It is the role of every expert to help the patient move around. In fact the society has left the duty of moving the ageing sick to nursing home upon them. They are highly qualified personnel and know there work. They see to it that the old that are sick in the society get to nursing homes successfully and also help in payment whenever need arises.

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.

Currently an advocate does not need any special license to work in this field. However, Institutions are offering training and certificate program-mes for those in this field. They do this through organizing workshops. Legal knowledge is however indispensable as one is required to adhere to the various legislation and rules that has been established. It is therefore incumbent upon the advocate to educate him or her.

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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