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dimanche 18 mai 2014

Patient Advocate And The Significance Of Their Service

By Arline Bradley


Advocates are primarily involved in taking care of the interests of the patient and ensure they remain knowledgeable on health plans. The role of patient advocate is played by persons individually or through organizations.

Advocates act as link between the health care provider and the patients. Those who engage in this job mostly have a background in social work or other areas such as health care. Perfect examples of these people are doctors and nurses. In the study of ethics in nursing, this advocacy is one of the major areas that are emphasized.

It may primarily entail playing simple tasks such as overseeing transportation of patients or their movement into nursing homes.

Though no licensing or special qualifications are required to offer these services, institutions such as colleges and universities have come up with special programme 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.

This advocacy means acting as a link between the patients and the health care provider.It should ensure that the two sides are furnished with all the vital information. The client needs to be aware of the rules and procedures that have been set by the health care provider. On the other hand, the later needs to provide the health care provider relevant information such as previous health problems of the patient. This promotes quick recovery by ensuring he or she does not have to undergo unnecessary stress or anxiety.

It is also incumbent upon the advocate to provide the client or family with information such as published literature that he or she thinks are necessary. The same can be extended to the health care provider. He or she also ensures that family members and other concerned parties have been informed on the progress of the patient. Another important role is ensuring the confidentiality of the client information is given priority. Unauthorized persons should not be privy to such information.Dispute solving is part of the advocacy. This involves seeking the help government agencies or even seeking justice from the court. A good example is a conflict with the insurance company.

Advocates may also have positions in organizations that offer advisory opinion on health care issues. They ensure that the organizations put into consideration the interests and concerns of patients when making recommendations. They go a notch higher to ensure promotion of best practices in health care services. The government has been a key player in this by ensuring enforcement of these practices and handling complains through the set public offices.

Personal skills are very necessary in the delivery of these services. In fact those persons who are caring, empathetic and can put themselves in the shoes of the patient are the best for the job. A family member, a child, a spouse or even a chaplain may play this role. Services of professionals such as doctors or nurses may also be sought.




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