The Savvy Patient - Patient Advocates Can Make a Difference
Services include explaining a diagnosis, organizing treatment and providing support
In this week’s installment of The San Diego Union-Tribune’s “Savvy Patient” column, Scripps Health provides insight on patient advocates, people who serve as a liaison with caregivers.
Known as “patient advocates,” people who support and represent patients can range from trusted relatives and friends to formally trained professionals.
An effective patient advocate should:
- Be well-informed and up to date about the health care issues relevant to the patient’s case
- Stay organized – help the patient navigate the myriad appointments and treatments that serious medical conditions may require
- Feel comfortable speaking up if they have questions or feel the need to confirm a diagnosis, medications or surgery recommendations
Read the full article for more: Patient advocates can make a difference