Learn how to succeed in your career transition to patient advocacy by avoiding some of the common pitfalls that can affect your scope, network, communication, time management, and learning.

I think one of the first things to consider when becoming a patient advocate is to define clearly what it is that you are advocating for - is it a specific disease area, a specific patient group? Get granular about the kind of change you want to advocate for and then the tactics, scope and ideas become easier to consider and action. Advocacy can become overwhelming if it's too large and not tangible enough.

You’re transitioning into patient advocacy. What are the common mistakes you need to avoid?

Patient advocacy is a rewarding and challenging career that involves supporting, informing, and empowering patients and their families in navigating the complex and often overwhelming healthcare system. Whether you’re a former healthcare professional, a patient yourself, or someone who wants to make a difference, transitioning into patient advocacy requires some preparation and awareness of the potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes you need to avoid as you embark on your new journey.

Key takeaways from this article

Define your advocacy focus:

Clearly specify the disease area or patient group you will support. This targeted approach helps you develop actionable tactics and avoid feeling overwhelmed.### *Understand the system:Familiarize yourself with the healthcare landscape to direct your message effectively. Building relationships within the system ensures your advocacy efforts are impactful and sustained.

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1 Not defining your scope

One of the first steps in becoming a patient advocate is to decide what kind of services you will offer, who your target clients are, and how you will charge for your work. You need to have a clear and realistic scope of practice that matches your skills, experience, and credentials. You also need to be aware of the legal and ethical boundaries of your role and avoid giving medical advice, diagnosing, or prescribing. If you’re not sure about your scope, you can consult with other patient advocates, professional associations, or mentors for guidance.

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Farah Meghji

Co-Founder, Unum Co. | Patient inclusive designer and advocate
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I think one of the first things to consider when becoming a patient advocate is to define clearly what it is that you are advocating for - is it a specific disease area, a specific patient group? Get granular about the kind of change you want to advocate for and then the tactics, scope and ideas become easier to consider and action. Advocacy can become overwhelming if it's too large and not tangible enough.

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Rae Martens

Knowledge Broker at Kids Brain Health Network, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability and UCalgary Azrieli Accelerator Certified Level 1 Implementation Support Specialist
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It’s important to understand the system you’re advocating in. Helps you avoid going to the wrong people with your message. That way you can build relationships as not all messages will see change within a singular conversation.

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Dr. Nidal Shawish,MD, MBA, CPE, CEDE, LSSMBB, FISQua, FACHDM

Leading Consultant Physician | Patient-Centric |Healthcare Leadership & Operational Mastery | Excellence in Quality & Process Improvement | Certified Physician Executive | Harvard Accred. Exec. Leadership Specialization
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Not defining your scope can lead to overextension and burnout, so it’s important to set clear boundaries about what you can and cannot do. Networking is key for learning and growth, providing support and sharing best practices. Effective communication ensures that patient needs are clearly understood and addressed. Time management is essential to balance the many tasks advocates handle. Ongoing learning helps you stay informed about medical, legal, and policy developments. Lastly, continuously reflect on your approach and be open to feedback for improvement.

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2 Not networking enough

Another key factor in succeeding as a patient advocate is to build and maintain a strong network of contacts, referrals, and resources. You need to connect with other patient advocates, healthcare providers, community organizations, and potential clients to establish your reputation and credibility. You also need to keep up with the latest trends, developments, and opportunities in the field of patient advocacy and healthcare in general. You can network by attending events, joining online forums, volunteering, or creating your own content.

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3 Not communicating effectively

Communication is at the heart of patient advocacy. You need to be able to listen, empathize, and understand the needs, preferences, and goals of your clients. You also need to be able to communicate clearly, confidently, and respectfully with various stakeholders, such as doctors, nurses, insurance companies, and lawyers. You need to be able to educate, negotiate, and advocate on behalf of your clients without being confrontational, aggressive, or biased. You need to use appropriate language, tone, and tools to convey your messages and document your actions.

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4 Not managing your time

As a patient advocate, you may have to juggle multiple tasks, clients, and deadlines. You need to be able to prioritize, organize, and delegate your work efficiently and effectively. You need to set realistic expectations and goals for yourself and your clients and communicate them clearly. You need to avoid taking on too much work or too many clients that may compromise your quality or integrity. You also need to balance your work and personal life and take care of your own health and well-being.

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5 Not learning continuously

Patient advocacy is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and improvement. You need to be open to feedback, criticism, and new ideas. You need to seek out opportunities to enhance your knowledge, skills, and competencies. You need to stay updated on the best practices, standards, and regulations of patient advocacy and healthcare. You also need to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations, challenges, and demands. You need to embrace lifelong learning as a core value of patient advocacy.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Queen Adaugo O.

Founder @ Care Hub Initiative Inc | PhD, CCRP
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Not knowing what you are doing and just keeping a faith as little as a mustard seed that all will be well in due time. Taking baby steps when needed and making leaps and bounds when the opportunity call arises.

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Regina Hayford

MSN/ADM, MPH, RN, CNOR Peer reviewer| Inclusive Mentoring | Team building | Patient advocate | OR Nurse
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The other thing to consider is all patients are different regardless of their condition. Don’t assume any two individuals are the same even if they have the same symptoms or condition.

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You’re transitioning into patient advocacy. What are the common mistakes you need to avoid?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Not defining your scope

2 Not networking enough

3 Not communicating effectively

4 Not managing your time

5 Not learning continuously

6 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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You’re transitioning into patient advocacy. What are the common mistakes you need to avoid?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Not defining your scope

2 Not networking enough

3 Not communicating effectively

4 Not managing your time

5 Not learning continuously

6 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

Rate this article

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