The mission of Patient Action.com is to help you find your voice as you partner with the health care team in a positive way to get the best health care outcomes possible for the patient. Preparing yourself for such an advocacy role will greatly empower you and those you care about as you navigate through any health care setting. CONGRATULATIONS ON TAKING THE FIRST STEP IN FINDING YOUR VOICE!
You or someone you care about has probably been a patient in a health care setting. That can be a very stressful experience for a variety of reasons. The one thing you must always remember is that you have a voice! You are a major player in your own destiny or in the destiny of a loved one who cannot use their own voice. That concept in and of itself can be very frightening considering you probably don’t have much medical education or knowledge to guide you. Believe it or not, you do have a voice when it comes to your health care. And that voice will empower you and give you control.
We invite you to review the many resources on this website which are designed to educate you, empower you, and enable you to make decisions. The Index of Articles showcases articles on a myriad of health care topics which will guide you in what to do, what to say, what to ask and who to ask it you, as you partner with your health care team to get the best health care outcomes possible.
As a patient you absorb a lot less information when you are anxious, scared, vulnerable, in pain, medicated, immobilized, unconscious, drowsy and/or undressed. In such scenarios, ask a trusted family member or friend to be your patient advocate when you enter the health care system. Plan on keeping your advocate with you at all times, even overnight, if you are going to need hospitalization. You will be able to rest much better. Your advocate can …
When someone you love is hurting and you can’t protect them from the pain It tears your heart out, causing much grief, that is a normal refrain. While the best interests of the patient is everyone’s intention That doesn’t stop the agony amidst the intervention. For when you truly love another, and watch what they go through It touches something deep inside, forever changing you. It isn’t easy to sit and see what they endure …
While we all like to think that our doctor is the biggest and the best, we need to recognize that s/he is merely one member of your health care team. Granted, your doctor is probably the most the most well-paid member, the most educated member, and the director of your team, but they do not work as an island unto themselves. They delegate many tasks related to your diagnosis and treatment to other members of …
Historically, each health care facility in the United States has subscribed to a written Patient Bill of Rights that was created by the American Hospital Association in 1995. That document was replaced a few years ago by The Patient Care Partnership which uses plain language to inform patients about what they should expect during their hospital stay with regard to their rights and responsibilities.(http://www.aha.org/aha/issues/Communicating-With-Patients/pt-care-partnership.html). What you should expect during your hospital stay: High quality & …
When is The Right Time to Have Such a Conversation? There is never a right time to discuss end of life issues. But the issues can quickly become a fact of life, oftentimes when you least expect it. Few people are physically or emotionally prepared for these types of conversations and the decisions they may require. Many think that this conversation only deals with end of life requests and final wishes. While these topics are …
Below is a suggested list of vaccinations for children. Be sure to follow the dates and guidelines directed by your healthcare provider. Many times, these vaccines are combined to minimize injections. Ask for a vaccine record book and take it to every visit to your healthcare provider. Hepatitis B (HepB): protects against a virus that attacks the liver. This virus can lead to scarring and cancer of the liver. HepB is spread through blood, body …
However deep I am sunk in despair, Groaning in my distress, Yet will I hope in God, I will praise Him continually For He is my deliverer. Amen. Psalms 42:6
