Approaches to Patient Advocacy

There are many ways to be a patient advocate and, as a result, there are many approaches that can be taken. There are also many benefits to advocacy work, as well as limitations. Familiarity with the material by both the patient advocate and their client can ultimately culminate in a more effective and fulfilling working relationship. 

Let’s go through the different kinds of advocacy that you can take part in, or avail of. 

Self/Group Advocacy

When self-advocates come together, they’re often referred to as a group or collective. Group advocacy happens when a group of people who are all facing a common problem formally get together to support each other over specific issues. The group as a whole may campaign on an issue that affects them all. A collective voice can be notably stronger than that of an individual, as groups are more difficult to ignore and represent the thoughts of many. Being part of a collective advocacy group can help to reduce an individual’s sense of isolation when raising a difficult issue.

Issue Based Advocacy

Issue-based advocacy, also known as one-to-one, individual or professional advocacy, is provided by both paid and unpaid advocates. An advocate helps a client represent their interests and/or views if the client is unable to do this themselves. The advocate provides representational support and information on specific issues but not advice. This support can be short or long term. 

Non-Instructed Advocacy

Non-instructed advocacy is taking action with or on behalf of a person who is unable to instruct an advocate due to issues of capacity (e.g., comprehension or communication issues). 

An individual might be able to express what they want, for example, to go home or a view of what they like or dislike, but may lack the capacity to instruct an advocate as to what exact action to take regarding a particular issue. The non-instructed advocate seeks to uphold the person’s rights, ensure fair and equal treatment and access to services, and make certain that decisions are taken with due consideration for all relevant factors which must include the person’s unique preferences and perspectives. 

This kind of advocacy work is often with clients/partners who have significant physical/communication needs and may be court-ordered and performed by a professional psychologist or counselor.

Peer Advocacy 

Peer advocacy happens when individuals share significant life experiences. The peer advocate and their client may share age, gender, ethnicity, diagnosis or issues. Peer advocates use their own experiences to understand and empathize with their advocacy partner. Peer advocacy works to increase self-awareness, confidence and assertiveness so that the client can speak out for themselves, lessening the imbalance of power between the advocate and their client. The Human Health Project utilizes peer advocacy because the model emphasizes:

• the shared background between the advocate and their client
• common problem solving
• balance of power
• effective outcomes for those who may be experiencing health problems.

Benefits and Limitations of Advocacy

Benefits exist on both sides of Advocacy work. For the patient, a greater sense of support, and understanding of care is achieved. For the advocate, confidence is built, and compassion for others is increased. But some things to be considered include taking on a significant time commitment, as well as an added responsibility for another person’s health. Nonetheless, Advocacy work can be rewarding and lead to a well-rounded treatment for a patient’s health condition.