Vous défendez les besoins d’un patient. Comment gérez-vous les implications plus larges du système de santé ?

I once had a non-English speaking patient who was having a family meeting to discuss hospice. At the time, our hospital worked with hospice clinicians who weren't employed by the hospital. When I attempted to arrange for an interpreter, I was told that the hospital interpreters only assisted with clinicians employed by the hospital. I reached out to our legal department and ended up finding that this wasn't the case but likely a lack of knowledge of patient rights. We were able to get the patient and their family the services they needed to make an informed decision.

Familiarize yourself with the patient's rights, which include being treated with dignity, receiving information about their condition and treatment options, making informed decisions about their care, and having their privacy and confidentiality respected. Ensure the patient's rights are upheld throughout their care journey.

Here are a few ways I can navigate the broader healthcare system as a patient advocate: Learn and understand how the healthcare system works: This will help me know what to expect and how to get the best possible care for patients. Speak up for patients: I need to ensure that patients' needs and wishes are heard by healthcare professionals, as I act as their voice when they need help or don’t understand something. Stay informed: By continuously learning about new healthcare rules and treatments, I can help patients make informed decisions about their care. I need to understand patients' rights; this will help me know what patients are entitled to, so I can ensure they receive the care they deserve.

Work closely with the patient's healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, and other providers, to coordinate care and ensure everyone is aligned on the patient's goals and treatment plan. Facilitate communication between the patient and their providers to promote shared decision-making.

Advocate for the patient to receive care that is appropriate, safe, and equitable, regardless of their financial or social status. Address any disparities or barriers to accessing care and work to ensure the patient receives the care they need.

Education is key when advocating for a patient’s needs within the healthcare system. By empowering patients and their families with knowledge, you not only help them navigate the system but also equip them to make informed decisions. Educate and Empower the Patient and Family: 1. Provide Education: Help the patient and their family understand the healthcare system, including how to access services, what options exist, and the implications of certain care choices. 2. Facilitate Informed Decisions: Offer resources that allow them to make informed decisions about treatment plans and care options. 3. Clarifying the Rights and Responsibilities 4. Explaining Policy and System Constraints; insurance limits, system constraints.

Provide the patient with information about their condition, treatment options, and the potential risks and benefits of each option. Ensure the patient understands the information and can make informed decisions about their care.

It may sound cliche, but "knowledge is power" and patients equipped with information will better be able to make decisions and also feel less vulnerable. Everyone is at a different level of health literacy and we have to gauge this by asking questions and not making assumptions. For example, even if a patient happens to be a physician does not mean they will understand everything about a disease or condition outside of their scope of expertise. We also do not want to speak down to people. We must read our audience. Some people want all the details and others become more anxious and overstimulated by too much information. The bottom line is we must customize education to each patient's needs and preferences.

Stay informed about healthcare policies and regulations that impact patient rights and care quality. Engage with policymakers and healthcare organizations to advocate for policies and practices that prioritize patient-centered care and promote better health outcomes.