Have you ever left the doctors office or a hospital with more questions than when you entered?
Did you ever wish you had a kid or relative who was a doctor?
Did you ever feel like your healthcare provider is not explaining everything?
West Coast Medical Advocates is here to help monitor and optimize your medical care for the best outcome.
Through my years of being a physician, family and friends have always called me for medical advice. They were quite comforted knowing they had a friend or relative who was a doctor. With the changes in the healthcare system there is no longer continuity of care. There seems to be more frustration with patients communicating with their doctors, thus many questions are left unanswered.
At West Coast Medical Advocates we are very empathetic to these issues. I have had personal experiences with my mother and father in hospital settings where care was not optimal and communication was lacking.
I truly believe that if I hadn’t been there as a physician their outcomes may have been different. These two experiences inspired and motivated me to create West Coast Medical Advocates.
Patients under our advocacy generally have less anxiety, more compliance and often have better outcomes.
Improved Patient Outcomes
Studies have shown that patient advocates can significantly improve health outcomes by facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients understand their treatment options.
Empowerment and Education
Patient advocacy empowers individuals by providing them with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This empowerment can lead to better engagement and adherence to treatment plans.
Ethical Responsibility
Healthcare professionals have an ethical obligation to advocate for their patients. The American Nurses Association and the American Medical Association emphasize the importance of advocating for patients’ best interests.
Access to Care
Advocates play a vital role in helping patients navigate complex healthcare systems ensuring they access the care they need without unnecessary barriers.
Quality of Care
Research indicates that patient advocacy is linked to higher quality of care. When patients feel supported, they are more likely to express their concerns and preferences, leading to tailored and effective treatment plans.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
Patient advocates often focus on underserved and marginalized groups, ensuring they receive equitable care and addressing social determinants of health.
Personal Accounts
Testimonials from patients validate the effectiveness of advocacy on personal satisfaction and well-being.
Legislation and Policy Change
Advocacy efforts have led to significant healthcare reforms, including the establishment of patient rights legislation and policies aimed at improving healthcare access and quality.
Further Reading
For more detailed studies, articles, and guidelines, consider looking into journals such as the Journal of Patient Experience, resources from organizations like the Patient Advocate Foundation, and literature on patient-centered care models.
