The best-laid plans can go awry, judgment is impaired, and put simply, you are not at your best when you are sick. Patients need someone who can look out for their best interests and help navigate the confusing health care system--in other words, an advocate.” (the NPSF or National Patient Safety Foundation 703-506-3280 www.npsf.org)
A person with brain injury can sometimes have difficulty making needs known, finding words, remembering information, keeping track of all the different procedures, dealing with ever-changing medical issues & all the medical & research updates. A person with TBI (traumatic brain injury) may need a “patient advocate” to clarify: hospitals, doctors, diagnostic testing, procedures, & therapies.
A good patient advocate can be caregivers, physicians, nurses, chaplain, attorneys, family & the patient as well.
An honest patient advocate is trustworthy.
A caring patient advocate is a “supporter, believer, promoter, campaigner, & sometimes a “spokesperson.”
A skilled advocate has good communication skills.
A bold patient advocate is vital in preparing truthful info to medical people & courts about on-going health.
An informed advocate obtains & clarifies information for the TBI person.
A thorough patient advocate gets or assists the TBI person in asking specific questions.
A mindful patient advocate remembers for the TBI person if there is memory loss problems.
A careful patient advocate writes down questions/information for/with the TBI person for future reference.
A follow-through patient advocate assures the TBI person’s wishes are carried out when he/she is unable.
A reassuring patient advocate provides comfort to the brain injured person if needed.
A persistent patient advocate talks & meets with a TBI person to assist in strategies that will help establish, maintain, or set new goals.
Let your doctor & caregiver know who your patient advocate is & the advocate’s phone number. Arrange for your designated patient advocate to be the spokesperson for the rest of your family & make sure your family members know this--minimize confusion & misunderstandings within your family.
Hospitals usually have professionals who are called Patient Advocate or Patient Representatives. Social Workers or Nurses can be patient advocates or provide further information about obtaining a professional patient advocate.
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