Our Impact on Patients
Our Healthcare System - Increasing in Complexity, Decreasing in Safety
Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), navigating our healthcare system has become more complex. The ACA legislation enactment has resulted in a decrease in the available support services previously offered. This has further resulted in the need for patients to rely on support from family and friends. Some of the family and friends have a medical background and the ability to advocate for the patient’s needs, but many do not. The dominos continue to fall, often culminating in poor outcomes, dissatisfaction with the healthcare system, and decreased quality of life for the patient.
The Critical Role of Patient and Healthcare Advocates
A white paper commissioned by the Coalition of Health Care Advocacy Organizations (CHCAO) entitled "The Critical Role of Patient and Health Care Advocates: A Special Report", is an exhaustive study that outlines the challenges of obtaining cost effective and quality healthcare through the use of Patient Advocates. It is 28 pages of data and conclusions that support the need for professional patient advocacy.
Key Takeaways:
92% of respondents said that patient care was positively impacted by working with an advocate.
Advocates responded at 98% that patients & clients were more educated, satisfied, & confident in navigating their health issues.
Healthcare providers responded at 98% that working with an advocate had a positive impact on patient care.
Healthcare providers responded at 92% that advocates have a positive patient effect & decrease their staff burden.
Reasons why professional advocates were hired, as cited by the CHCAO white paper:
- Navigation & Care Coordination Support: 57%
- Decision Support: 54%
- Access to Specialists/Second Opinions: 47%
- Insurance/Billing Issues: 32%
- Understanding Medications: 26%
- Transitions of Care: 25%
- Self-Advocacy Skills: 24%
What Does This Mean?
The statistics are powerful, but people are more than just statistics. They're individuals.
The observations and experiences by advocates and healthcare system staff alike are the same: the healthcare system, as it currently operates today, is not supportive. Front-line healthcare workers are overburdened. Hospital bureaucracy, rules and procedures, insurance companies, government regulations driven by Medicare and Medicaid, and litigation all seem at odds with providing optimal care. Patients then turn to family and friends, who are well meaning but often do not have the time or skills to provide the necessary support. Consequently, this leaves the patient with mediocre care at best, as well as compounding health issues.