Discuss the importance of advocacy as it pertains to patient care. What is the nurse’s role in patient advocacy? Describe a situation in which you were involved with patient advocacy. Explain what the advocacy accomplished for the patient, and what the repercussions would have been if the patient would not have had an advocate. 750words, with 3 References, APA format no plagiarism Purchase the answer to view it
Advocacy plays a crucial role in patient care, as it ensures that patients receive the best possible care and have their voices and rights respected. It involves speaking up on behalf of patients, empowering them, and advocating for their well-being. Nurses, being the primary caregivers and patient advocates at the bedside, hold a significant responsibility in advocating for their patients. This essay discusses the importance of advocacy in patient care, the role of nurses as patient advocates, and provides a personal experience illustrating the impact of patient advocacy.
Advocacy is fundamental in patient care because it promotes patient-centered care and ensures that patients are actively involved in decisions regarding their healthcare. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), one of the nursing profession’s ethical principles is advocacy, which obligates nurses to support patients in their rights and healthcare choices (ANA, 2015). Advocacy is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, individuals with limited communication skills, and those from marginalized communities. These groups often face barriers to accessing healthcare and may require additional support to voice their concerns and navigate the healthcare system.
Nurses play a pivotal role in patient advocacy by acting as a bridge between patients and other healthcare providers. They serve as the patients’ voice by ensuring that their needs, preferences, and values are acknowledged and respected. Nurses advocate for their patients in various ways, including ensuring informed consent, promoting shared decision-making, and addressing patient concerns or grievances (Rendón-Díaz et al., 2019). Additionally, nurses collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that the care provided aligns with the patients’ goals and values.
One situation in which I was involved in patient advocacy occurred during my clinical placement in an outpatient oncology unit. I was assigned to a patient named Mrs. Johnson, who had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. During our initial conversation, Mrs. Johnson expressed her desire to explore alternative treatment options, such as herbal remedies and acupuncture, in addition to traditional chemotherapy.
Recognizing the importance of supporting her in making informed decisions, I initiated a conversation with the healthcare team, including the oncologist and the nurse manager. I provided them with information on the potential benefits of complementary therapies and their integration into oncology care. I emphasized the importance of respecting Mrs. Johnson’s autonomy and ensuring that her treatment plan incorporated her preferences. The healthcare team agreed to explore this possibility and included a complementary therapy consult for Mrs. Johnson.
As a result of this advocacy, Mrs. Johnson was able to receive the chemotherapy treatment she needed while also incorporating complementary therapies into her care plan, thus addressing her physical and emotional well-being. This approach enhanced her sense of control over her treatment and supported her overall healing process. Mrs. Johnson reported feeling empowered and supported, which positively influenced her adherence to the treatment plan and improved her quality of life.
If Mrs. Johnson had not had an advocate, the repercussions would have been significant. The lack of support for her preference to explore complementary therapies may have led to her feeling unheard and discouraged, potentially causing her to seek alternative treatment methods without the guidance and supervision of healthcare professionals. This could have compromised her safety and efficacy of her treatment, as certain herbal remedies or therapies may interact negatively with chemotherapy.
Furthermore, if Mrs. Johnson’s preferences were not addressed, it may have negatively impacted her trust in the healthcare system and the healthcare providers involved in her care. Trust is a key component of the patient-provider relationship and is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. Without trust, patients may feel reluctant to openly communicate concerns or seek healthcare, leading to poor outcomes.
In conclusion, advocacy is essential in patient care as it ensures patients’ rights are respected, their voices are heard, and their preferences are incorporated into their care plans. Nurses hold a critical role in patient advocacy by advocating for their patients’ needs, promoting shared decision-making, and addressing patient concerns. Personal experiences, such as the one described above, highlight the impact of patient advocacy in achieving positive outcomes for patients. By serving as patient advocates, nurses contribute to patient-centered care, empowering individuals to actively participate in their healthcare decisions, and ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.