Individuals Working As Patient Advocate

By Francis Riggs


Those individuals whose primary role is to listen to patients and represent them whenever their rights are violated are called patient advocates. They help the patients, caregivers and also survivors. They represent the patients and either work individually or as organization members. They may represent patients suffering from common diseases or major on all illnesses. Regardless of what they do and where they do their work, they should be aware of what the patients need. Some are taking the career as a patient advocate in hospitals where the patients are admitted.

This role of advocating for patients is new in the city of Sydney, AU and also evolving. As everyone starts to be aware of the rights of patients, a number of health workers have come together to defend the rights of the patients. Because it is a new career, almost all health professionals brand themselves as patient advocates after long experience in their fields. However, some of the universities have begun to offer degree programs of the same.

The advantage with this task is that there are various jobs to work on. Not all of these professionals work in hospitals. Many of them find jobs in nonprofit organizations, insurance companies and in government agencies. If you have worked as a professional in hospitals, you can make use of these skills.

The people working in this field are specialists in different areas. What they have specialized in does not matter. What matters actually is their contribution in making sure that the rights of patients have been taken care of

Requirements of an advocate differ with the field of work. Some requirements are the same for all activists. They do not apply in every situation. Variations are seen in different areas. Those seeking for jobs should examine if they fulfill these requirements.

Because the patients spokes-persons work in various places and have differing responsibilities, they influence people differently. Your area of specialization will guide you on how you will assist. Those working as medical assistants work in health units, nursing homes and community clinics. Those working as insurance assistants work for insurance companies and nonprofit organizations. Government agencies can employ anyone from these fields.

You are not expected to drop your job when you make a decision to help take care of rights of patients. You will be of help any time because hospitals will always be having patients. Your contribution will be appreciated always. It is a new venture and few learning institutions are offering certificate and degree courses in their colleges. Those assigned with the role of advocating for the rights of patients are supposed to represent them well in their activities.

If you have an interest in working as a patient rights activist, you do not need to go back and learn. You only need to choose an area you will specialize in and gain experience while working. As mentioned earlier, many of these professionals are also healthcare professionals who have advanced experiences in medical fields. They choose to volunteer during their free time. This is out of their hearts and not part of their obligation.




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