How should I choose a patient advocate?

It is important that the person you choose to be your advocate is ready for the job. Ideally, this is someone with a healthcare background or who has experience either as a hospitalized patient or with a loved one’s hospitalization. Just because someone is concerned for you does not mean that he/she can play this assertive role in your care. The National Patient Safety Foundation recommends taking into consideration the following criteria when choosing an advocate:

• Your advocate should be assertive
• Your advocate should communicate well -- in languages appropriate for your community
• Your advocate should be willing to do the job
• Your advocate should be someone you are comfortable sharing intimate details with, who will know how and when to share them -- and with whom
• Your advocate should be someone who is good at asking questions and digging deeper if necessary
• Your advocate should be organized, as there are lots of papers and forms to keep track of while supporting someone in the hospital