Hospitals and other medical settings can be scary places for many reasons. A large majority of the U.S. population have phobias related to medical treatments, appointments, and physicians. The fear can cause many individuals to avoid doctors or forget valuable information that is needed to prevent medical errors and misdiagnoses. In America, it is estimated that medical errors cause nearly 200,000 deaths a year¹

 An important way to decrease medical errors and mitigate the anxiety related to medical settings is by learning about health advocacy and how it can be incorporated into improving healthcare. Health advocacy typically refers to medical professionals who specialize in supporting various aspects of patient care and treatment, however, it is more than possible to practice health advocacy as the patient. Everyone can benefit from learning how to take control of their medical care, so what are the best ways to advocate in a medical setting? ²

Prepare in Advance

Advocating for your healthcare does not have to be done solely in the medical office. The key to decreasing medical errors and anxiety is preparation. It is helpful to research the doctor you are seeing prior to your visit to make sure they fit your individual needs. Research will allow you to view patient reviews as well as the experience of the physician. Preparation may also involve locating the office in advance and finding someone to drive you to and from if the situation requires it. Depending on the medical visit, it can be useful to have a list of things to bring to the hospital or appointment. Advocating for your health means prioritizing individual safety and comfort. Listed below are possible things to bring to decrease stress when in a medical setting.

• A person who can provide emotional support
•  Water bottle 
•  Jacket (without strings) or blanket 
• ID and insurance cards
• Detailed medical history
• Cellphone and charger
• Toiletries 
• Shoes (without laces)
• Current medications 
• Books
• Change of clothes

Ask Questions

Questions are an essential way to foster a sense of safety and security when working with healthcare professionals. Taking time to prepare questions in advance will decrease anxiety during appointments and medical visits. While the specific types of questions vary per person, there are questions that can be applicable to most situations. Listed below are questions that can be helpful for common medical situations³.

• What is the diagnosis in simple terms?
• What are the side effects of the prescribed medications and should I be aware of any contraindications? 
• Could you do a breakdown of the procedure/treatment plan?
• Should I be aware of any risks?
• What lifestyle changes can I implement to improve my health?
• Are there tests that I still need?
• What support groups and resources are available to me?
• Who should I contact if my symptoms get worse?
• When should I follow up? 

Take Notes and Stay Organized

It is very easy to lose focus and forget important information your doctor is giving you during medical visits. While many physicians will give you a packet that details an appointment summary, some do not. Even with an in depth appointment summary packet, specific questions that were asked during the appointment may not be listed. Taking notes in an organized folder will allow you to feel in control of your care and prevent the loss of critical medical advice and instruction. 

Taking notes electronically is also a great option. Writing notes by hand during an appointment may be more time consuming and easier to lose. There are many apps that allow you to easily take digital notes such as the notes app on Iphones, Google Docs, Word, and many more. It is important to let the medical provider know what you are doing as many offices have regulations on the use of electronics. Many people struggle to multitask, so bringing a friend or family member to take notes can remove the additional stress of writing everything down. Bringing a companion can also help the patient feel more confident to speak up if they are confused, experiencing discomfort, or need more information. 

Request a Professional Advocate

The task of advocating for your healthcare can be really difficult. Requesting a professional health advocate can be the best option for many people. Health advocates are vital healthcare workers that support individual patient needs, care, and interests⁴.

• Mitigating fears over procedures, surgeries, and treatment options
• Managing the financial strain and burdens associated with healthcare
• Assistance for patients with disabilities and other factors that prevent them from advocating for their needs 
• Helping overwhelmed families with sick loved ones 
• Locating physicians that are accepting new patients
• Aid with organization of patient history to prevent adverse reactions to medications and other related errors

Finding a healthcare advocate may seem like a daunting task, but most hospitals have them on staff and are available for patients day and night without charge. Certain healthcare advocates offer free consultations even if they charge for their services. The consultation visit is the time where the patient should assess if the health advocate is right for their individual needs. It is helpful to interview more than one advocate if the situation is not time sensitive. The process of interviewing more than one person will allow you to have options and more control over how your healthcare is handled. 

Advocating for your healthcare is an essential part of life. It promotes safety, security, and allows for better care. Medical settings can start to become less fear inducing when you take control of how you interact with medical professionals. Your voice is the most powerful thing in the world when it comes to health services. It has the power to change outcomes and promote a better environment for yourself and others. Whether you are advocating for yourself or another person, your voice matters and deserves to be heard.