Every Patient Deserves an Advocate

For patients, hospitals should be safe havens with caring physicians, nurses, and professionals who take care of those in need. Yet, this is only the perfect scenario, while in reality, it is very different; one might say it’s even more complicated. There is usually no one there to advocate on behalf of the patient.

Despite what we see in advertisements – happy faces, the situation in hospitals is a lot grimmer than it might seem. Many patients actually feel they don’t get enough attention or care. It may be from lack of financial support, prejudice, or simply being unable to communicate properly with the staff. While patient experiences can vary, there is a growing problem in our healthcare system, and that is the notion of profits over patients. For any business, including healthcare businesses, profits come first, and patients later. 

This is a simple yet painful truth in modern medicine that often affects patient care. Hospitals are understaffed and overworked, and patients, in many cases, have to fend for themselves. This is particularly true when they need help to find their way through the medical system. The system is so complex that for patients, mistrust, fear, and the inability to express oneself are daily factors. Thus, having an advocate, one who would communicate on behalf of a patient, can be the difference between life-and-death. 

The Importance of Patient Advocacy 

Patient advocacy is a topic that should concern many. The current system creates an environment filled with doubt and fear of seeking information. Patients lack the tools or knowledge to express themselves. 

To better understand the significance of patient advocacy, one must focus on the thoughts that cloud and affect one’s judgment. Patients who are under heavy medication or constant stress are unable to advocate for themselves. In crucial moments such as these, a patient advocate can take on that full responsibility and become the advisor. 

There is a benefit to bringing a family member, friend, or colleague to advocate for a patient. This person can help them get a clearer picture of future procedures, medical bills, side effects from medications, and more.  A patient needs a person to rely on, particularly for asking questions, getting more information, and figuring out the next steps for a full recovery. Such support is crucial for one’s health. With proper communication and better awareness, patients can finally regain their trust in the healthcare system and be more confident in the steps they are going to take. 

The Role of an Advocate

Some patients have difficult and rare diseases and health conditions that hinder their ability to express themselves or understand the problem they are dealing with. Others feel unfamiliar with all the documents they have to file and don’t know where to start. Instead of solving problems, they are stuck on mitigating medical errors. Whatever the case may be, patients need an advocate, and their role is more important than one might think. This is what an advocate can do for a patient.

Whatever the case may be, patients need an advocate, and their role is more important than one might think. This is what an advocate can do for a patient.

1. Getting Valuable Information 

Advocates who are familiar with the patient’s mental and physical health will play a crucial role in that patient’s recovery.  If a patient is unable to provide adequate information, like medical history, medications, or allergy lists, that patient can put their health at risk. Advocates can help provide this information when need be. 

2. Engaging the Health Care Team

With the constant new admissions, emergencies, and discharges to pay attention to, doctors have little-to-no time to evaluate patients they’ve already seen in the last couple of hours. Having someone at a patient’s bedside forces the health care team to be more involved and engage with the advocate. When an advocate arrives to express their concern, doctors have to take their time. The advocate will force discussions, making that patient more likely to get a detailed analysis. All because the advocate is there to help connect all the dots. 

3. Encouraging the Patient to Understand their Medications

Many patients often follow medical advice blindly, but these actions could cause more harm than good. Advocates can encourage patients to read about the medications they take, analyze the diagnosis, and be wary of medication allergies. Since they are already familiar with the patient’s health, they can help conclude if the patient needs to seek a second opinion. 

4. Making Sure the Patient Has Access to Important Resources

Not many patients are capable of taking care of themselves. In cases such as these, an advocate will support that patient and make sure they obtain all the necessities. 

5. Establishing Proper Communication

Proper communication with the health care staff is crucial for every patient. Since patients after surgery or treatment are often irritable, sleep-deprived, or under heavy medication, they are unable to ask questions or have proper communication with their doctor. An advocate can take on that responsibility and help present those questions to the health care team. They can ask for recommendations, alternatives, or a future discharge plan. 

Patient advocacy is a crucial role in providing proper guidelines and ensuring the patient has their needs met. Their support is an invaluable form of encouragement that those unable to advocate for themselves need. Everyone deserves an advocate, no matter their ethnicity or wallet. And this is why we created our company.  Learn more about Vesa.