Patient advocacy

[Yasmine M]

I think that advocating for yourself and getting involved in your own care are both very helpful when seeking medical help. Having another person with you like a parent, spouse, or close friend can also be helpful in situations when you aren't able to advocate for yourself for whatever reason. It can feel scary to bring up something that a medical professional doesn't seem to be considering, but if you don't ask or start the conversation, you'll never know.
I have a cousin who has cancer and one of my aunts, who is not his mother and who works in healthcare, has gotten very involved in his care and advocated for him throughout the time of his diagnosis and treatment. Her presence and advocacy have made a big difference and have helped my cousin to be more at ease in this challenging time in his life.

You are right, having another person with you when getting treatment is very important. I can recall a couple of times when I remember having a thirty minutes conversation with a doctor, but afterwards I couldn't remember the things we spoke about. When you are the sick person, your body is going through a lot, a your brain is too busy focusing on your body. Thinking clearly and taking decisions is not a priority for the brain at that time.
This also reminds me that we must make friends and strengthen family ties. It is not easy to do nowadays considering our lifestyles, but let's not live lonely lives.

[Meghan Soderholm]

There needs to be more patient advocacy for the treatment aspect and the service aspect concerning money and insurance. There are still families out there that can't afford decent healthcare plans. Yes, governments have programs for these people, but there are still too many loose ends. I am blessed to have learned that the Unger family was resilient in confirming Louis' care and treatment and appreciated the journal entries in fighting for Louis' life.

[Gee-Q Mdluli]

I agree with you, and sometimes this approach lead to people being afraid of doctors and trying to solve health issues on their own. This delay is of course bad news so I'm really proud of Louis' parents for speaking up and being assertive about his healthcare.

[Adrian Rondon Salazar]

It is a process; cooperation is vital but we must accept that sometimes it is allowed to be stubborn, not to cooperate. It is very difficult to know how to react in those situations; stress and symptoms don't make it easy. The support of family members and health personnel is important.

[Rishaunda Lynnette Britton]

Yeah, patient advocacy is one of the themes explored in this book, and I found it remarkably helpful. It's dad to hear about your health condition and I hope you will get well soonest. Please do take care of your self.

[Zainab Wasif]

In my part of the world, doctors and medical professionals feel threatened if the patient researches his/her disease or there is an advocate for the patient to do that for him/her. They usually don't entertain many questions and tend to keep the patient's family's hopes to a minimum. I greatly respect medical professionals who educate their patients and guide them to choose the right course of action.

[Kaila Powell]

Being in the medical field myself, the theme of patient advocacy is in every shift we work. Teaching patient family or friends about the importance of the topic is paramount because we have to remind the public that we are not robots, we don't know everything there is to know and we do make mistakes. In this book, the author gave the insight of the other side of the curtain. Drawing you into their family to experience the inner thoughts and emotions of how it feels facing the mountain that is the medical world and giving you a visual of how patient advocacy can mean walking the line of life and death.

[Malthide Jones]

Ehat my journey in the medical field has taught me is that thebfamily doctor should be prioritised. There's nothing as good as a doctor that is familiar with you.

[FunkyFlowerLady]

As a patient or as Lou's parents did, I also believe in speaking out for yourself. Although I don't believe it's on purpose, healthcare professionals often act in the patient's best interest without first consulting the patient. Although you may not understand much of the medical lingo as a patient, being aware of what is being done and why could make you feel more at peace. Your constant queries may upset medical professionals, but you need to know the answers as a patient and a person. The way Mark and Mary Ellen fought for their son was excellent.

[Chimezie Agbata]

I so much buy into the concept of patient advocacy considering the flaws and errors in the healthcare system today. Patients and their loved once should stand up for themselves and detected what is necessary for their lives and the lives of their young ones.

[Kendal Low]

Patient advocacy is such an important part of health care. Nobody can explain/understand what they’re feeling better than the patient themselves.

[Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha]

It is so crucial for patients to be able to express themselves freely to their medical caregivers, but sometimes the pressure of work may make them less attentive. However, I encourage every patient who has something to say or clarify to keep speaking till they are heard.

[Buikem Kasia]

This is a very important concept because the patient follows the treatment and it works better. Everyone should at least be educated about their problems.

[Theresa Moffitt]

It’s difficult to be your own advocate when you are attempting to navigate foreign issues like medicine and medical treatments. If you don’t understand the terms or treatments, you don’t know the correct questions to ask etc.

[Terrine Wild]

I just feel that every patient should be able to conduct research on what is wrong with them. They can better help the doctors and nurses this way.