Part I of II, Protecting Your Wishes and Rights As A Patient: Patient Advocacy - You Are The Patient
- Tyra Ware
- Jul 14, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
Unexpected medical situations can arise, making it crucial you are prepared as much as possible to ensure that your wishes as a patient are respected and carried out. Whether it's a long-term hospital stay or a short-term visit, having a plan in place can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Understanding the importance of patient advocacy and proactive care planning is essential in today's healthcare landscape.
Know the Laws Pertaining to Your Care
Understanding the legal aspects of healthcare decision-making can empower you to advocate for your rights effectively. Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations of your state that govern patient care, advanced directives, and medical decision-making in your region. It may be very helpful to have a discussion with an attorney and your healthcare provider, even if you do not have a chronic condition. This way you can gather intel to further make educated proactive decisions about your care. By being informed about your legal rights as a patient, you can make authoritative choices and protect your autonomy in various healthcare scenarios. Your Advanced Directives formalize your wishes in the form of Will & Testament, as well as, Medical Durable Power of Attorney.
Clarify Your Wishes with Your Spouse and Loved Ones
One of the first steps you can take to protect your wishes as a patient is to have open and honest discussions with your spouse. Clarifying your preferences regarding medical care, treatment options, and end-of-life decisions can help avoid potential misunderstandings and high stress during challenging times. By involving your spouse in these conversations, you can both be on the same page - aware of your desires and your spouse can act as your advocate, if needed.
It's also beneficial to extend these discussions to close family members or friends who may play a significant role in your care. By sharing your wishes with trusted individuals, you create a support network that can help uphold your decisions and navigate healthcare scenarios effectively.
Assign a Power of Attorney
Prepare a Durable Power of Attorney, otherwise known as Healthcare Proxy, Medical Power of Attorney or Power of Attorney for Healthcare. By the way, you do not need an attorney to complete this document or process. This form is based on your state of residence. For individuals who are not married, assigning a power of attorney is a critical step in safeguarding your autonomy as a patient. Without a Power of Attorney, your care will be defaulted to a surrogate - next of kin - as defined by your state. If next of kin is not a possibility, the clinician responsible for your care becomes the surrogate.
Designating a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, if you are unable to do so, ensures that your preferences are upheld even when you cannot communicate them yourself. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of choosing someone who understands your values and respects your choices to act as your advocate in medical settings.
The Power of Putting It in Writing
Putting your wishes in writing is a powerful tool for ensuring that your healthcare preferences are honored. Speak with your local hospital about obtaining an Advanced Directives form as they may have one you can complete and put on record with them. Creating advance directives - living wills, and healthcare proxies, can provide clear guidance to healthcare providers and loved ones about your treatment preferences. By documenting your wishes in legally recognized forms, you can have peace of mind knowing that your voice will be heard even in challenging medical situations.
As it is law to have your Durable Power of Attorney form notarized in some states, we suggest to have it notarized as this will be acknowledged by all states. When this is completed, provide a copy to your Primary Healthcare Provider and local hospital to keep on file. It is also a good idea to have a traveling copy on your person, or maintain a copy on your cell phone or tablet.
Download the appropriate file from your state's website for free. Here are some options as well,
YuriArcursPeopleimages. (n.d.). Medical, team support and diversity hands of hospital nurse, doctor and surgeon stack together for. Envato. Retrieved July 14, 2024,.
Get Ahead
Taking proactive steps to protect your rights, wishes and peace of mind as a patient is essential for ensuring that your values and preferences are respected in healthcare settings. By clarifying your wishes with your spouse or loved ones, declaring advanced directives, assigning a power of attorney, understanding relevant laws, and documenting your preferences, you can advocate for yourself effectively during medical encounters. Remember, patient advocacy is not only about medical treatment but also about honoring your autonomy and dignity as an individual. Stay informed, communicate openly, and empower yourself to make informed healthcare decisions.
Remember, your voice matters. Be proactive, be informed, and be an advocate first for yourself by getting this done.
Endnotes
Walter, K. (2021). Durable power of attorney for health care. JAMA, 326(16), 1642. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.15882
Advance care planning: Advance Directives for health care. (2022, October 31). National Institute on Aging. https://nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/advance-care-planning-advance-directives-health-care#guarantee
Tyra Ware, CHHP CIr CH AT RYT
A Clinical Herbalist who's passionate about Medical Herbalism and Aromatherapy for health care. She partners with her fiancé at bZengi offering healing arts services to clientele worldwide. She enjoys yoga, listening to music, reading, mystery and action films, learning languages and developing culinary creations and spending time with her fiancé. You can learn more about her work at www.bzengi.net.
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