The Patient Advocate Helps With These Tasks:

• With family input, decide on health care institution.
  Advocates for the patient's right to choose the institution he or she feels most comfortable with.



• Get a second opinion if desired.
  Supports the patient in seeking a second opinion as a basic patient right.



• Gather adequate medical information to make treatment decisions.
  Advocates for the patient's right for as much current and accurate information for the patient to make informed decisions.



• Communicate needs to the medical team.
  If needs have been expressed and are not addressed, advocates on the patient's behalf to get needs met.



• Address how cancer diagnosis and treatment will affect work.
  Advocates for fairness in the work environment.



• If there are genetic factors involved with cancer, discuss with family and medical team.
  Encourages patient to get all questions answered thoroughly. Genetic counseling may be the best resource.



• Figure out the goal of your cancer treatment.
  Even if the goal of treatment is primarily to help with a symptom, like pain, the patient should still receive excellent and aggressive care. The patient advocate can help the patient get that care.



• Consider fertility issues before treatment, if appropriate.
  Advocate for alternative methods of achieving parenthood. Additional research may be necessary.



• Discuss treatment schedule with the team, your family, and work.
  Sometimes schedules conflict, and it is difficult to decide the right priorities. A patient advocate may help in communicating those priorities to the right people.



• Communicate any side effects or symptoms to health care team.
  If the patient tends to minimize problems, help the patient communicate concerns to the team.



• Determine insurance coverage and negotiate with providers.
  Advocates for the patient if disagreements arise about coverage. May need to research coverage and contact medical team if treatment is in question.



• Figure out your own ways of coping with the illness and treatment. There may be complementary strategies, like massage, biofeedback, meditation, or prayer that may help.
  Sometimes complementary therapies are viewed as unimportant by members of the health care team. It may be helpful to explain how these interventions help the patient cope.



• Maintain your normal life as much as possible.
  There may be times when the person needs extra support for maintaining activities. You may find yourself advocating for the patient's right to these types of decisions.



• Ask your medical team about the use of clinical trials for your illness.
  The patient may appreciate some research on these options prior to the medical visit.



• Seek relief from pain if present.
  Often patients are reluctant to complain about their problems. Encouraging the patient to discuss their pain will help them get relief.



• Concentrate on taking an active role in treatment.
  The patient advocate must always remember that they are advocating for the patient, who should remain the focus of all efforts.

Revised Date 04/09/2001