What Is Patient Advocacy?
Patient advocacy supports a person to communicate with healthcare workers, understand treatment options and make informed decisions. Advocates help ensure care is safe, respectful and centred on the person’s needs and wishes.
Why Patient Advocacy Matters
Advocacy is important when people:
- feel overwhelmed or unheard in medical appointments
- struggle to communicate pain, symptoms or concerns
- receive confusing or unclear medical information
- need help understanding treatment risks or choices
- require support giving or refusing consent
- experience discrimination, unsafe practices or cultural barriers
What Patient Advocates Do
- help communicate with doctors, nurses and clinicians
- ensure medical information is explained in plain language
- support informed consent and decision-making
- raise safety concerns or request second opinions
- ensure accessibility needs are met (interpreters, communication supports)
- support someone during appointments, tests or hospital stays
- assist with forms, referrals or care instructions
Examples of Patient Advocacy
- helping someone communicate discomfort or pain levels clearly
- requesting an interpreter or communication device
- explaining medication changes or treatment risks
- supporting someone to say “I don’t understand — can you explain that again?”
- raising concerns about delays, miscommunication or unsafe environments
Why This Support Is Essential
Strong patient advocacy helps ensure:
- patient dignity and respect
- culturally safe care
- clearer communication and understanding
- reduced risk of harm or misunderstanding
- healthcare choices reflect the person’s values
Quick Summary
- Patient advocacy supports communication, safety and informed decision-making.
- Advocates help people understand treatment and express needs confidently.
- Advocacy is valuable during appointments, emergencies or hospital stays.