What does a Patient Advocate do?
Patient Advocates help individuals navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Their duties include helping patients with administrative tasks such as setting up GP appointments, working with social services and ensuring their medical records are up to date. They also review prescriptions and medications, help patients understand difficult diagnoses and treatment options and help them make difficult medical decisions.
Patient Advocate skills and qualifications
A successful Patient Advocate candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively. These include:
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills
- In-depth understanding of the complexities of the healthcare industry
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Customer service skills
- Attention to detail
- Active listening skills
- Compassion and empathy
- Time management skills
Patient Advocate experience requirements
Patient Advocates should have several years of experience working with the healthcare system’s protocols and procedures. Many employers prefer candidates who have worked as a Care Manager, Nurse or Physician. Some employers prefer candidates who have experience working in social services. The ideal candidate must also have experience in healthcare liabilities and other complex issues patients usually come across while seeking quality healthcare. Some employers require candidates to have experience working as a volunteer in a non-profit organisation.
Patient Advocate education and training requirements
The only education required for a Patient Advocate role is a GCSE. However, because this position requires an in-depth understanding of the healthcare industry and the ability to explain treatments and diagnoses, many employers prefer candidates who have a background in the medical industry. A bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, such as medical assisting, medical record administration, healthcare or nursing, would help. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, some employers prefer candidates to complete a training programme and obtain industry-recognised certifications.
Patient Advocate salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Patient Advocate in the UK is £17.05 per hour. Their actual salary varies depending on factors, including the employer, geographical location, experience, particular job duties and qualifications.
Job description samples for related positions
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