What are the best ways to maintain your credibility as a patient advocate?

1 Know your scope of practice

Patient advocacy is a broad and diverse field that encompasses different types of services, settings, and specialties. Some patient advocates are licensed professionals, such as nurses, social workers, or lawyers, who have specific credentials and regulations to follow. Others are non-licensed individuals who may have personal or professional experience in dealing with certain health issues or populations. Regardless of your background and qualifications, you need to be clear about what you can and cannot do as a patient advocate. You should not offer medical advice, legal advice, or financial advice unless you are authorized and qualified to do so. You should also not perform any tasks that are outside your scope of practice, such as diagnosing, prescribing, or treating. You should always refer your clients to the appropriate experts when necessary and inform them of the limitations of your role.

3 Communicate clearly and respectfully

Communication is one of the most important skills for a patient advocate. You need to be able to communicate effectively with your clients, their families, their healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in their care. You need to be able to listen actively, empathize, ask questions, clarify, summarize, and confirm. You also need to be able to adapt your communication style and methods to suit different situations, preferences, and needs. You should always communicate clearly and respectfully, using plain language, avoiding jargon, and respecting confidentiality. You should also document your communication and actions in a timely and accurate manner.

4 Advocate with integrity and accountability

As a patient advocate, you have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in your practice. You should always act in the best interest of your clients, respecting their autonomy, dignity, and diversity. You should also respect the roles and perspectives of other parties involved in their care, avoiding conflicts of interest, bias, or discrimination. You should follow the ethical principles and codes of conduct of your profession and your organization. You should also be transparent and honest about your qualifications, fees, services, and outcomes. You should acknowledge and correct any errors or mistakes that you make and report any misconduct or harm that you witness.

5 Collaborate and network

Patient advocacy is not a solo endeavor. You need to collaborate and network with other patient advocates and healthcare professionals to share information, resources, and support. You should seek out opportunities to join or create communities of practice, associations, or groups that are relevant to your field and interests. You should also participate in advocacy campaigns, events, or projects that aim to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for your clients and the public. You should also seek mentorship and guidance from more experienced or senior patient advocates who can offer you advice, feedback, and referrals.