National Patient Advocacy Day is an observance dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role of patient advocates in healthcare. Patient advocacy is a process concerned with supporting patients, survivors, and caregivers as they navigate the complex healthcare system. This day highlights the services available to healthcare facilities, particularly those related to Medicaid enrollment and healthcare coverage issues.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: August 19
- Tagged as: Healthcare awareness day
- What’s the hashtag?: #PatientAdvocacyDay
- When was it founded?: Established by DECO Recovery Management
- Who founded it?: DECO Recovery Management
History of National Patient Advocacy Day
Patient advocacy in the United States emerged in the 1950s in the context of cancer research and treatment. During this time, patients and their families began raising ethical concerns about diagnostics, treatment techniques, and clinical research. The practice of patient advocacy grew out of the patient rights movement, with advocates needed to protect and enhance patient rights at a time when hospital stays were long and acute conditions contributed to hospital growth. The concept of “total care” was coined by Sidney Farber, emphasizing treating the family as a whole and considering psychosocial and economic needs beyond just physical health concerns.
Timeline
- 1950s: Patient advocacy begins in the United States as a result of advances in cancer research and treatment
- 1970s: The Patient Rights movement grows in the U.S.
- 1973: The National Welfare Rights Organization (N.W.R.O.) writes the American Hospital Association’s Patient Bill of Rights
- Recent years: DECO Recovery Management establishes National Patient Advocacy Day
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 19 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August 19 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | August 19 | Thursday |
| 2028 | August 19 | Saturday |
| 2029 | August 19 | Sunday |
| 2030 | August 19 | Monday |
Observed
National Patient Advocacy Day is observed across the United States by healthcare facilities, patient advocacy organizations, and healthcare professionals. The day features events, workshops, and campaigns aimed at educating the public about the role of patient advocates and the resources available to help navigate the healthcare system.
Fun Facts About National Patient Advocacy Day
Patient advocates can go by many titles, including health advocate, patient navigator, care coordinator, ombudsman, patient relations representative, customer service representative, patient liaison, consumer advocate, or crisis resolution representative. They work in various settings including hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and private corporations, helping patients understand treatment options, providing emotional support, and facilitating communication between clients, providers, and insurance companies.
Quiz
- When is National Patient Advocacy Day celebrated?
- In which decade did patient advocacy begin in the United States?
- What was the term coined by Sidney Farber to describe comprehensive patient care?
- What organization established National Patient Advocacy Day?
(Answers: 1. August 19, 2. 1950s, 3. “Total care”, 4. DECO Recovery Management)
FAQs
What is a patient advocate?
A patient advocate is a professional who assists patients in navigating the healthcare system, helps them understand treatment options, provides emotional support, and works as a communication facilitator between clients, providers, and insurance companies.
What services do patient advocates provide?
Patient advocates help with understanding treatment options, managing insurance issues, providing emotional support, establishing networks of contacts, educating patients about their conditions, and assisting with healthcare access due to socioeconomic barriers.
Is specific training required to become a patient advocate?
Most often, no specific training is required for this role. Many patient advocates have backgrounds in healthcare careers like social work or nursing. Some may hold additional certifications such as the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential, but this is not a requirement.
Importance of National Patient Advocacy Day
National Patient Advocacy Day is important because it highlights the critical role advocates play in helping patients navigate the often confusing healthcare system. Patient advocates not only protect patient rights but can also be cost-saving by ensuring accurate billing, identifying cost-effective options, avoiding redundant testing, and preventing complications through proactive care. The day serves as a reminder of the value these professionals bring to healthcare and the positive impact they have on patient outcomes.
Related
- Patient Rights Week
- Healthcare Quality Week
- Medical Professionals Day
- Health Literacy Month
- Patient Safety Awareness Week