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 systems in different countries have become so tenuous that patients have been forced to seek the services of intermediaries in the name of advocates to help them navigate through the challenges in the health care systems. This decision has been informed by the fact that doctors and nurses are not enough in helping patients overcome the challenges in the system such as those of medical insurance.

Advocates may help you in way like pursuing insurance claims, helping you understand a disease and its treatment or may even monitor your progress from home. Medical advocacy remains one of the most important type of advocacy in determining the outcome of a medical process.

A medical advocate will take part in the deliberations between the sick individual and the doctor. It is the duty of the specialist to help clients make up his mind on tough medical decisions, monitor hospital services to ensure the person gets the best and closely look in the medication such drugs to ensure they are correct dosage. He or she may even ensure the sick is in appropriate conditions to prevent the risk of infection.

Advocacy services may include activities such as transporting sick people to nursing homes. This is very essential especially when the clients are ageing people. They have to ensure the whole process is done smoothly. Sometimes they help in payment services if need be.

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.

This field is open to every person. There is no specific accreditation or license required to venture in the field. However some institutions of higher learning offer special training to interested individuals. Today there are workshops and conferences that are organize training on the field. After the training one is issued with a certificate. There are specific rules and legislation that advocates should observe in the jobs. It is in these gathering that they are enlightened about such matters.

Personal skills are vital. Everyone in the field should be careful not to get too much attracted to their client. The sick person is going through difficult moments and needs your help. It is therefore important to show your concern but know the boundary. Patients need someone who can act as their supporter, believer, backer and spokesperson.




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