Patient advocate
Patient Advocate
A Patient Advocate (pronunciation: PAY-shunt AD-vo-kate) is a professional who provides services to patients and those supporting them who are navigating the complex healthcare continuum. Advocates work directly with individuals or indirectly through their employers or other responsible parties to provide a wide range of services.
Etymology
The term "Patient Advocate" is derived from the Latin "patiens" meaning "one who suffers", and the English "advocate" meaning "one who pleads the cause of another".
Role and Responsibilities
A Patient Advocate's role can encompass a wide range of duties, which may include:
- Assisting patients with understanding their rights and responsibilities
- Helping patients navigate the healthcare system
- Providing information and support regarding healthcare decisions
- Assisting in the resolution of disputes and complaints
- Providing information about resources and services
- Assisting with paperwork and forms related to healthcare services
Types of Patient Advocates
There are several types of Patient Advocates, including:
- Professional Patient Advocates: These are individuals who work independently or as part of a patient advocacy company or non-profit organization. They may have a background in healthcare, social work, law, or a related field.
- Hospital Patient Advocates: These are individuals who work for a hospital or healthcare system. They are often nurses or social workers who have transitioned into this role.
- Volunteer Patient Advocates: These are individuals who volunteer their time to help patients and their families navigate the healthcare system. They may be former patients, family members of patients, or individuals with a passion for healthcare advocacy.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Patient advocate
- Wikipedia's article - Patient advocate
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