More patients benefit from advocates

June 14, 2008

The patient advocacy industry is growing in hospitals, The Arizona Daily Star reports.

Patient advocates monitor medications, review treatment plans, analyze detailed medical histories, alert nurses to problems with patients’ vital signs and advocate for patients in crowded emergency rooms.

They also coordinate care during nurse and physician shift changes and monitor “comfort, hygiene and mobility,” according to the Daily Star.

However, some physicians contend that patient advocates can sometimes cause conflict in hospitals and hinder communication and treatment, the Daily Star reported.

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Comments

One Response to “More patients benefit from advocates”

  1. Cheryl on July 17th, 2008 7:18 pm

    Most patients need a patient advocate. It is difficult for a sick or injured person to be his or her own advocate.

    It has been my experience and observation that a patient advocate can serve as a liaison between the vulnerable patient and the hurried medical system.

    Patient advocates can also address emotionally draining issues (such as billing and insurance) so that the patient and family can focus on healing.

    I am particularly concerned about patient advocacy in our country’s aging population. And I am horrified at the possibility that our country could actually move towards universal healthcare when patients are herded through the system we have today.

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