Transcript be your own advocate

Give a Voice to Your Health Concerns
HOW TO BE A PATIENT ADVOCATE
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BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE
ADVOCATE FOR ANOTHER
ADVOCATE FOR ALL SENIORS
HOW TO TALK TO DOCTORS
ADDRESSING YOUR NEEDS
WHERE TO GET HELP
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30 years experience
recognized expert
respected by doctors
researcher
analyst
family liaison
visionary
Caryn Isaacs, Patient Advocate
What do Patient Advocates do?
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Help people navigate the health system.
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Liaison with health professionals
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Liaison with family, friends and others
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Research hard to diagnose conditions
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Find options for chronic conditions
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Fight for your rights.
BE YOUR OWN
ADVOCATE
When it comes to our health care, we patients must be sure we
understand exactly what the risks and benefits are to any form of
test or treatment before we give consent.
Begin with, “Doctor, let me make sure I understand….” Then restate
what the doctor just told you. If the doctor corrects you, then
restate it again until you know you have it right.
You will need to be able to
1.Listen and take notes
2.Research your condition
3.Ask intelligent questions
If you are not able to advocate for yourself, don’t
be too embarrassed or frugal to ask for help.
ADVOCATE FOR
ANOTHER
1 Don't wait to be asked.
Most patients are too overcome to think about what they need.
They may not know what they need, and they may feel embarrassed.
2 Attend the doctor appointments.
It's important to be there right from the beginning. It's helpful for doctors
to be aware of who you are and that you are advocating for this person.
They are much more likely to answer your questions, etc., if they expect
that you will be at most of the appointments.
3 Take notes, take notes, take notes.
Buy a notebook that you will use for only this purpose. Write down
suggestions from the doctor, medications, terminology, questions you have
and future appointments. Doing this frees up the patient to digest what
the doctor is saying, knowing that if they miss something, you will tell
them later.
ADVOCATE FOR
ANOTHER
4 Ask questions.
Since the doctor is there for the patient, allow them to speak
between one another. But if the patient isn't asking questions
that you have, ask them.
5 Get copies of all tests.
Before you leave, be sure ask the doctor for copies of all tests.
They won't offer them, so you need to ask. Having them is
tremendously helpful when visiting other doctors.
6 After the appointment, go over the notes.
After the appointment, sit down and reread your notes to the
patient so they understand everything. Write down any
questions you or they may have for future appointments.
ADVOCATE FOR
ALL SENIORS
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MEDICARE.GOV 1-800-MEDICARE
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NYS HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING 800-701-0501
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311 FOR SENIOR SERVICES
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Eldercare.gov – U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
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Benefitscheckup.org – National Council on Aging
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Issue Specific Support Groups – Disease and Other Causes
How to talk to Doctors
Be as respectful of their time as
you want them to be of yours.
Be prepared with a list of your
concerns and insist on answers.
Choose
your
battles.
It can be just as difficult for
you, a spouse, an adult child
or a close friend to digest
everything that's being said
by the doctors. Doctors need
to focus on the patient. The
more silent and educated you
are, the more the doctor will
appreciate your questions and
your
patient
advocate’s
presence at the visit.
Explain the role of your patient advocate.
Patient Advocate Self Assessment
Please Mark Your
Patient Advocate Self Assessment Form
with the answer that best fits
your situation.
Later you will be able to assess your own
needs and create an action plan
Understanding who you are….
Self Description
Do you like to get involved in
other peoples problems?
Do you like to be in control?
Do you like to be responsible?
Do you like caring for others?
Do you like to listen to what
others are saying?
Yes
No
Maybe
Frances has a lot of problems.
Eilish can’t communicate well.
Herman can’t be understood.
Susan lives alone.
Everyone speaks for Jack.
Your Physical Side….
Self Description
Are you in good health?
Are you physically able to care
for yourself or someone else?
Are your health care needs
being met?
Yes
No
Maybe
Trudy is caring for her family.
Joan is always on call.
Rhona’s the sounding board.
Your Emotional /Social Side
Self Description
Have your feelings changed
due to an event or over time?
Are all your needs being met
by family or friends?
Yes
No
Maybe
Shirley can count on Max.
Lori likes approval.
ADD YOUR Yes, No and Maybe Columns
EVALUATION & PLAN
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If you have 8-10 Yes answers; Congratulations! You are prepared
to speak for yourself and others. You may want to join groups of
Advocates to find more resources.
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If you have 5-7 Yes answers; Congratulations! You are on the right
track. You are getting prepared to take responsibility for your health
care and that of others. A Professional Patient Advocate can provide
guidance.
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If you have 0-5 Yes answers; Congratulations! You have taken the
first steps towards becoming a Patient Advocate by recognizing that
you need help in developing and prioritizing a plan. A Professional
Patient Advocate can help you or can provide you with Advocacy
services.
I WISH WE HAD A PLAN!
PRIORITIZE
Understanding Who Your Are
Understanding What You Can Do
Understanding What Is Needed
TRIGGERS & BARRIERS
Each Patient & Advocate situation is unique
Triggers  What are Triggers? Fatigue/Familiarity
 What are Your Triggers?
Barriers  What are Barriers? Financial/Access
 What are Your Barriers?
HOW TO ASK FOR HELP
◦ Know you need it.
◦ Communicate your needs.
◦ Research your options.
◦ Hire a Professional Patient Advocate.
A Professional Patient Advocate
can help by;
◦ Providing a safe place to discuss your
feelings & your thoughts
◦ Providing objectivity
◦ Providing an understanding of the impact
of what your are experiencing