Self-advocacy, standing up for yourself, and presenting your needs, is crucial in healthcare. When you do not understand a diagnosis or have questions about your proposed treatment plan, the time to speak up is now. Innova Primary Care is in the business of renewing healthcare from the inside out. This means we want our patients to be informed and participate in their health. We want our patients to be aware of treatment options, ask questions, and come armed with questions about their health when they enter our doors. An informed patient is an empowered one, and the more knowledge you have as a patient, the better we can serve you together as a team. We are a patient-centered practice, and we value your input.

What is patient-centered care?

Long gone are the days of the doctor entering the room, doing a quick assessment, not asking questions, filling a script, and being on their way. At least, this is the way we believe it should be. So many of us know what it is like to enter into a healthcare appointment only to be rushed out the door without any time or room for questions or concerns. No more.

Patients need to be advocates for their health and consider medical care providers as partners along the way.

Patient-centered care revolves around patients being active participants in their care. This ideology assumes patients have their own needs and desires regarding their individualized outcome preferences. Patient-centered care revolves around collaboration. However, because of negative experiences in the past, generational differences, and any number of reasons, many patients need to learn how to advocate for themselves regarding their healthcare.

What does it mean to self-advocate in healthcare?

We are so glad you asked! Yes, physicians and specialists within the medical field undergo years of extensive and exhaustive training. However, they do not know what it is like to live in your shoes. They may have care recommendations and diagnostic abilities that the patient does not. However, they don’t know what the patient desires without being told.

This is where you, the patient, come in. Only you know what you do not understand regarding your care. Only you can tell your healthcare provider about concerns you may have. Now is the time to speak up and ask relevant questions. We are not suggesting that patients take on the responsibility of finding the correct answers to all their questions. Instead, we seek our patients to inform themselves and come to appointments with questions, concerns, and possibilities.

How to advocate for yourself: Ask questions.

If you have questions about something that is going on with your health, write them down and bring those questions with you to your exam. Banner Health suggests keeping track of your questions on your phone or a word document you print out and bring with you so you do not forget.

For example, suppose your annual physical exam is on the horizon, and you are concerned about your blood glucose numbers. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider that you are interested in learning more about lowering your blood glucose to prevent a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Ask about dietary interventions and what you can do to keep moving forward. 

Let’s say your physician recommends a protocol for treatment that feels too invasive for you. In this case, ask for alternatives. Find out all you can about the varying treatment options and present those to your healthcare provider as possibilities. You won’t know unless you ask. Remember, healthcare should be collaborative in nature.

How to advocate for yourself: Be as thorough as possible.

Your preparation for your appointment is critical and begins long before you enter the examination room. When you make your appointment, tell the scheduler your concerns and keep records for yourself. Give the most up-to-date information possible when you make your appointment, and keep track of any changes between then and when you meet with your care team.

How to advocate for yourself: Be honest.

Ideally, the relationship between you and your healthcare team is built on trust and collaboration. The only way to ensure this is a reality is to be open and honest with your providers. Medical professionals cannot work with the information they do not have. So, earnestly evaluate your symptoms and compliance to give your care team the most accurate information.

Honesty requires you, the patient, to do a little homework as well. Find out any familial history and keep records. Be sure to tell your provider about any medications or supplements you take. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to your health.

How to advocate for yourself: Do research.

After you leave your appointment, research any medications or treatment plans provided to you. Then, find out what you must do to be compliant or look for other options to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Believe it or not, your physician wants you to advocate for yourself. Your doctor wants you to be an informed patient. Will there be pushback at times? Yes. But this is a good thing when a relationship of trust and connection is at the base. A disagreement about treatment options may arise with your physician. However, this may be an opportunity for more investigation on your part and the part of your care team. Continue to research and collaborate with your physician until the best resolution for you, the patient, arises.

Self-advocacy is vital for all patients

No matter your age, race, gender, or diagnosis, information is power. Perhaps you don’t want to rock the boat by raising questions about your care, or you are afraid you will come off as not listening. Stop. Now is the time to take your health into your own hands. Do the research. Ask the questions. You have the right to advocate for your health.