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jeudi 26 juin 2014

I A Patient Advocate Is Vital In Medical Processes

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 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.

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.

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

It is the role of the expert to enlighten the sick person of the procedures and guidelines set by the health provider. He acts as the go in between the patient and health care provider. It is in this regard that regard that he is supposed to give the medic any necessary information on before of his client. In some cases the sick person is silent and the specialist talks to the doctor on his behalf.

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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