According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research consistently shows that patient engagement leads to better health outcomes. A crucial part of patient engagement is self-advocacy. But what does it really mean to be your own health advocate, and how can you take care of yourself in every way?
What is health self-advocacy?
Health self-advocacy means representing yourself and your own interests when navigating the healthcare system. It can seem complicated, because it involves everything from educating yourself to speaking out about your needs. But health self-advocacy revolves around several specific and easy-to-learn steps:
Seeking appropriate care
One of the first steps in becoming your own health advocate is finding the care you need. Depending on your individual circumstances, this might be as simple as searching for a new primary care doctor. Don’t just settle for the first person on your insurance company’s list. You need someone who truly “gets” you, your lifestyle and your healthcare goals.
For example, you might be an older adult with a few chronic conditions. Someone looking at your records could easily assume that you live a sedentary lifestyle. But in truth, you might be an avid traveler who needs the support of one or more physicians to maintain your active lifestyle. Make sure you choose providers who have your back.
Listening to your body
You know yourself better than anyone, and you have an innate sense for when something isn’t right. Learn to tune into those messages and pursue care. If you don’t feel you are being taken seriously, seek a second opinion. Your health is always worth the time and effort!
Learning your options
There’s rarely just one single way to treat an illness or injury. And the more complex the situation, the more potential treatments are likely to exist. Chronic lower back pain is a great example. Treatment options range from over-the-counter painkillers to major surgery, and everything in between. Once you have a diagnosis, do some research and learn about all of the available treatment protocols. Then talk to your doctor about the treatments that best fit your healthcare goals.
Asking for what you need
Doctors aren’t mind readers. They don’t know what you’re thinking unless you come right out and say it. Practice being direct with your providers. Tell them what you’re experiencing and what you need. Note that this doesn’t necessarily mean asking for a specific treatment (though it could, if you have a chronic condition and know what’s worked in the past). Instead, it simply means telling the doctor your immediate needs and concerns and working together to find the best solution.
Becoming your own health advocate isn’t easy, but it is worth it. Start with one or two things on this list and add to them as you become more confident. Remember, practice makes perfect!