Patient advocate

Patient advocate or patient advocacy is a process or an area of specialization in health care concerned with advocacy for patients, survivors, and caregivers. The patient advocate may be an individual or an organization, often, though not always, concerned with one specific group of disorders. The terms patient advocate and patient advocacy can refer both to individual advocates providing services that organizations also provide, and to organizations whose functions extend to individual patients.

Role of a Patient Advocate

A patient advocate is an individual who provides support and protection for patients in the health care system. Patient advocates might work for hospitals, nursing homes, health care corporations, or private advocacy practices. The role of the patient advocate is to support the patient and their family, help them understand their rights and responsibilities, and guide them through the healthcare system.

Types of Patient Advocates

There are several types of patient advocates. Some are volunteers while others are paid professionals. They may work for hospitals, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or for-profit businesses. Some patient advocates work independently, offering their services directly to patients. Others work for organizations that provide patient advocacy services.

Hospital Patient Advocates

Hospital patient advocates work in a hospital setting. They are often nurses or social workers who have moved into the role. Hospital patient advocates can help patients understand their rights and responsibilities, and guide them through the healthcare system.

Independent Patient Advocates

Independent patient advocates are professionals who work independently, not affiliated with a specific hospital or health system. They may be hired by the patient or their family to help navigate the healthcare system.

Non-Profit Patient Advocates

Non-profit patient advocates work for non-profit organizations that provide patient advocacy services. These organizations often focus on specific diseases or patient populations.

Patient Advocacy Organizations

Patient advocacy organizations are organizations that provide advocacy services to patients. These organizations often focus on specific diseases or patient populations. They may provide a variety of services, including patient education, support groups, and advocacy.

See Also

• Health advocacy
• Health care
• Patient participation
• Patient rights

References

Patient advocate Resources
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