Скачать или смотреть What is a Patient Advocate?

Advocacy is the process of appointing someone you trust with input to your healthcare decisions.

According to Johns Hopkins expert John Burton, M.D. “A health advocate can be a spouse, relative, friend, or caregiver that you trust.” He added, “The older you are, the more important it is to have another person with you during visits.”

When difficult medical decisions are required, it is better to have an advocate that is looking out for your best interest. As examples, this person may also help coordinate with clinical staff to schedule procedures, and/or to better provide your health history when necessary.

Sometimes a patient is not able to communicate their wishes because of faith or cultural beliefs and having an advocate will represent their needs; it is important for the medical community to be aware of this. Health care providers do not want to go against patients' religious or cultural beliefs when the patient is unable to speak for themselves.

For someone who does not have a trusted friend, or relative, there are Advocacy Agencies that will represent you, these agencies are found at the local, state and national levels.

Remember to sign the Hippa form at your doctor's office allowing the doctor to discuss your health with your loved one or trusted friend.