Healthcare Advocates :
Bridging the Information Gap in Healthcare
By Amy Wilson , RN-BC
In years long gone , a patient ’ s primary care physician , or family practitioner , would admit a patient into the hospital , treat the patient during hospitalization and then continue the patient ’ s care after discharge . Fast forward to today . While in the hospital , patients may now be seen by several physicians including emergency room doctors , hospitalists , and intensivists . Add into the equation specialists such as surgeons , cardiologists , pulmonologists , infectious disease doctors and the like . Don ’ t forget the ongoing stream of other care team members like physical therapists , case managers , x-ray technologists , pharmacists , dieticians , multiple nurses , and the list goes on and on .
Being a healthcare consumer in today ’ s highly complex , fragmented healthcare system is much like being adrift in the ocean – water , water everywhere , but not a drop to drink . Patients receive an abundance of technical information . Receiving the information doesn ’ t guarantee it ’ s understood or seen as pertinent from the patient ’ s perspective .
The missing link between information from the intensely technical side of healthcare and patients being able to use that information to care for themselves or to make decisions about next steps is where healthcare falls short . This gap is what often keeps patients from achieving the best health possible or from making choices that meet their needs . Healthcare advocates work towards bridging that gap .
Receiving quality healthcare is contingent upon patients being proactive in decisions about their care . Healthcare advocates , sometimes called patient advocates , or patient navigators , empower clients to be active participants in their healthcare by ensuring they have and understand information necessary to care for themselves , direct their care and make informed decisions about their healthcare choices .
When patients are sick , they sometimes aren ’ t able to focus on the details . Having a second set of eyes and ears at appointments with the doctor or someone to voice questions and concerns for the patient or gather needed information can help alleviate stress and allow the patient to focus on getting better .
Patients often don ’ t know what they don ’ t know . Rather , they feel like something just isn ’ t right or that their questions aren ’ t being addressed . The first thing to decide when considering whether or not to use an advocate is what kind of help is needed . There are many ways a healthcare advocate can help .
Some examples include :
• In-depth research into new or existing diagnoses . An experienced advocate will look at published medical studies , new or existing clinical trials , find specialists and centers of excellence for treatment , or explain researched treatment options .
• Research current evidence-based , best-practices relating to a particular diagnosis to be sure the care a patient is receiving is in line with current practice standards .
• When multiple care providers are involved , facilitate communication between all care providers to minimize duplication in tests or treatments such as labs and X-rays .
• Monitor the care a patient is receiving while in the hospital .
• Post-discharge follow-up . An advocate can explain instructions , medications , etc ., to be sure the patient understands the plan of care , has the necessary resources and is able to follow through with the plan of care correctly and on a continuing and consistent basis .
• Assist patients in developing a list of questions or concerns for the physician and attend the appointment with the patient .
• Monitor the care a patient is receiving while in the hospital .
• Oversee and report on the care a patient receives for family members who live in a different geographical area .
• Discuss and assist with documenting end-of-life choices such as a medical power of attorney , advanced directives and out-of-hospital advanced directives .
Patients , particularly the elderly , find it difficult to advocate for themselves . They may feel they don ’ t have the right to question physicians or other providers . According to a study published in May of 2016 by Johns Hopkins University , medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the United States . With that being true , not only do patients have the right to question providers , they are compelled to do so in order to protect themselves . When patients still aren ’ t comfortable asking questions or bringing up concerns , a healthcare advocate can step in to address those questions or concerns .
Although patient advocates are fairly new to the healthcare scene , the help they provide is invaluable in obtaining quality care .
Amy Wilson , RN-BC is the owner of Partners In Healing Healthcare Advocates . www . partnersinhealinggroup . com .
42 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2017