Health advocacy

Health advocacy encompasses direct service to the individual or family as well as activities that promote health and access to health care in communities and the larger public. Advocates support and promote the rights of the patient in the health care arena, help build capacity to improve community health and enhance health policy initiatives focused on available, safe and quality care. Health advocates are best suited to address the challenge of patient-centered care in our complex healthcare system. The Institute of Medicine identifies patient-centered care as a key quality domain.

Definition

Health advocacy refers to direct service to individuals and families who are navigating the health care system. Health advocates also engage in activities that promote health and access to health care in communities and the larger public. Advocates support and promote the rights of the patient in the health care arena, help build capacity to improve community health and enhance health policy initiatives focused on available, safe and quality care.

Role of Health Advocates

Health advocates are best suited to address the challenge of patient-centered care in our complex healthcare system. The Institute of Medicine identifies patient-centered care as a key quality domain. Health advocates also serve a role in clinical settings, such as in primary care and emergency departments. They ensure that health care providers are able to offer the best care possible to their patients, and that patients understand their rights and responsibilities.

Types of Health Advocacy

There are many types of health advocacy including patient advocacy, community health advocacy, and public health advocacy. Each type of advocacy focuses on a different aspect of health care, but all aim to ensure that individuals and communities have access to the health care services they need.

Patient Advocacy

Patient advocacy involves actions taken to help patients navigate the health care system and secure health services. Patient advocates may work for organizations, volunteer or be family members. Their work can range from helping individuals understand their health condition and treatment options, to working with patients and their families to understand health insurance coverage and find the best available resources.

Community Health Advocacy

Community health advocacy involves actions taken to improve the health of communities. Community health advocates work to improve community health by promoting healthy behaviors, increasing access to health services, and advocating for policies that improve health outcomes.

Public Health Advocacy

Public health advocacy involves actions taken to influence public policy and social norms to improve public health. Public health advocates work to change laws, policies, and practices that affect health outcomes for entire populations.

See Also

• Patient rights
• Health care system
• Public health
• Community health

Health advocacy Resources
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