On October 8 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.” Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or deceased, but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. This day honors the men and women that have served our country under a common purpose, as Eisenhower stated. It is this common purpose that joins a diverse group of people together in times of need. This common purpose is also the heart and soul of advocacy.
Whether you are a patient faced with a debilitating disease or the loved one of somebody suffering from a chronic illness, your goal and the goal of your health care provider is the same – to promote health and minimize disease and suffering. It sounds simple but as we know, the ability to communicate the goal clearly to ensure both patient and care provider are on the same path is getting more complicated. Many patients and their loved ones feel disconnected and wonder if they are still working towards the same goal. It is during these times that a patient advocate can help act as the bridge to reconnect patients and their providers under a common purpose. A clinical advocate can get patients and providers back on the same path.
It’s during this week of Veterans Day that we are reminded of the importance of establishing a common purpose between yourself and your health care providers.
Follow these tips to establish a common purpose:
Follow these tips to establish a common purpose:
Ask – When faced with illness, patients can become so overwhelmed that they may not stop to ask about their prognosis, treatments, or potential outcomes. However, it’s so important that both you and your provider engage in open, transparent dialogue regarding your care. Asking questions and understanding your options will help you to make good decisions regarding your care. If you don’t know what the plan is, ask.
Negotiate – There are times when you may disagree with your provider. For example, if faced with a terminal illness with a poor prognosis, your provider may want to aggressively treat the disease but you may want to try a few alternative treatments. The key here is to discuss all treatments options and make your feelings and needs known. Make sure you are fully aware of your options and then negotiate until you and your provider are both content.
Agree – Once you’ve negotiated a treatment plan, agree to that plan. If, for instance, your provider wants to deviate from the plan, you can remind him or her of your agreement. This doesn’t mean that you can’t consider changing the plan, but the key is to have open dialogue and make any adjustments to the original plan together.
Facing illness can feel like you are at war. In a sense, you are at war with whatever enemy is attacking your body. However, refocusing on establishing a common purpose with your health care provider can help you celebrate any victory, small or large in the war against illness.
Take care and be well.
R.Thompson, MSN, RN
To find out how advocacy can help you or your loved one, please contact the advocates at Uppta at www.uppta.com
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