Title: Role of the Patient Advocate - Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Headings: 
What is a patient advocate?
Using an advocate – getting started

Content: Patients need someone who can look out for their best interests and help navigate the confusing healthcare system–in other words, an advocate. What is a patient advocate? An advocate is a “supporter, believer, sponsor, promoter, campaigner, backer, or spokesperson.” It is important to consider all of these aspects when choosing an advocate for yourself or someone in your family. An effective advocate is someone you trust who is willing to act on your behalf as well as someone who can work well with other members of your healthcare team such as your doctors and nurses. An advocate may be a member of your family, such as a spouse, a child, another family member, or a close friend. Another type of advocate is a professional advocate. Hospitals usually have professionals who play this role called Patient Representatives or Patient Advocates. Social workers, nurses and chaplains may also fill this role. These advocates can often be very helpful in cutting through red tape.