What does patient advocacy mean in nursing?

Patient advocacy in nursing revolves around supporting and promoting the rights of patients. This involves ensuring that patients’ needs, preferences, and values are respected and considered in the care they receive. Advocacy may manifest in various ways, such as helping patients navigate the healthcare system, communicating their wishes to other healthcare professionals, and ensuring they have access to information necessary to make informed decisions regarding their treatment options.

By focusing on the rights and well-being of patients, nurses play a crucial role in fostering an environment where patients feel empowered and heard. This can enhance patient satisfaction, compliance with treatment, and overall health outcomes. Furthermore, effective patient advocacy can involve addressing barriers to care and ensuring that patients receive equitable treatment, reinforcing the fundamental ethical principles of respecting autonomy and promoting justice in healthcare.

In contrast, promoting the hospital's interests and policies would shift the focus from patient rights to institutional priorities, thereby potentially compromising the quality of patient-centered care. Providing financial guidance, while helpful, does not encompass the broader scope of advocacy that primarily focuses on patient rights and welfare. Similarly, consulting with medical suppliers relates to procurement and supply chain issues rather than direct advocacy for patient needs and preferences.