Tuesday, May 25, 2010

What does it mean to be a patient advocate?


Answer:
Someone who looks out for the general concerns of patients and represents them to significant others when necessary and takes on the task of acting as a go between.
someone who speaks between the patient and corporate powers that be - representing patient issues in that forum
like in a rehab or mental institution? it means you watch over the patients, take note of requests, questions, concerns and so on and look out for there safety and following of DR orders as well as any rules of other sorts. you then often report back to a treatment team or dr with your notes and observations.
To advocate for a person is to speak and directly secure help for a person. This SHOULD only be done when the person has exhusted their sitaution - tried all the places, talked to people, and done their best. Otherwise it leads to being dependent.
To be the voice for the patient to ask questions and communicate concerns with drs, etc in the best interest of the patient. When women come in sick and the dr gives them a Rx antibiotic, I ask the dr in front of the pt if they (the dr) wants the pt to call if they develop yeast infection symptoms or come in to be seen. This question is something that the pt may not normally think of, but is important for them to know so that they know they dont have to suffer or come in for an appt. just for a yeast infection. Sometimes drs forget to offer women pts this; the drs want them to know this, but sometimes forget. By asking on behalf of pt, is to advocate for the pt.
It basically means that you speak on the patients behalf and really look after them. Sometimes a patient is medicated and not coherent enough to make sound choices.
A patient advocate can help with these types of situations.
Example, we as parents must remain in the picture and be aware of all that is going on in regards to our childrens hospital car. I personally have a series of well meaning, supposedely educated staff treating my children for various things, I have seen them make some serious mistakes too, had I not been there to alert them to their errors, it scares me to think of the consequences. Don't be shy about being an advocate, especially where our children, parents and partner are at stack.

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