Ask the Professional Maureen Carpenter, CD BSC, RN provides her insight.
Who can advocate for a patient?
Why should someone advocate?
The patient themselves are often the best at presenting their concerns or wishes but sometimes are unable to take that role. Family members, loved ones, or close friends can advocate on behalf of the patient as long as that relationship is able to foster trust and openness.
To ensure a patient has an informed decision when the testing and treatments start to occur. Advocating is a method to have the patient’s concerns or questions heard. For the patient to know what is next in the schedule and prepare for it.
A professional Health Care Provider can assume the role of advocate. Professions that may become patient advocates are Nurses, Social Workers, etc. Those in medical professions could understand medical terminology, explain test procedures and results and prepare patient for surgeries or other diagnostics.
Alleviate the stress and fear related to a diagnosis and what comes next. Importantly, the role of an advocate is to ensure the patients rights, health and safety are protected.
What areas can an Advocate assist in? Pain Management Understanding Medical Terminology Booking Appointments Getting to Appointments Coordinating Care Identifying ADL’s (Aids to Daily Living) in recovery after treatments, surgeries etc. Navigating Transitional Care Explaining Test procedures and Results Prepare patient for Treatments, Procedures, Surgeries
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