These individuals are primarily concerned with the care of patients and whether they have got sufficient knowledge about health plans. Patient advocate is a role that can be played by an individual or also by an organization that specializes in these services.
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 ensures that the client is sufficiently informed to ensure that he remains aware of the various procedures and requirements set by the health provider and other requirements. He or She may separately help the health care provider with relevant communication or issue concerning the patient. He or she simply acts as a link between the two. The advocate can therefore contribute immensely to the successful treatment of the patient by ensuring that the latter does not undergo any unnecessary fear, strain or anxiety when confronting issues such as basic formalities.
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.
In taking care of the patient, he or she must always ensure that he or she does not get too much attached with the former to an extent of affecting his or her work. The latter must be supportive and believe in the client. At times one has to act as spokesperson. Therefore the best person for the job must be caring and possess many more personal skills. A spouse, chaplain or even family members may play this role.
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 ensures that the client is sufficiently informed to ensure that he remains aware of the various procedures and requirements set by the health provider and other requirements. He or She may separately help the health care provider with relevant communication or issue concerning the patient. He or she simply acts as a link between the two. The advocate can therefore contribute immensely to the successful treatment of the patient by ensuring that the latter does not undergo any unnecessary fear, strain or anxiety when confronting issues such as basic formalities.
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.
In taking care of the patient, he or she must always ensure that he or she does not get too much attached with the former to an extent of affecting his or her work. The latter must be supportive and believe in the client. At times one has to act as spokesperson. Therefore the best person for the job must be caring and possess many more personal skills. A spouse, chaplain or even family members may play this role.
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