You’re working with a patient who needs specialized care. How can you find the best resources to help them?

1 Assess the patient's needs

The first step is to understand the patient's specific needs and preferences for specialized care. What kind of condition, diagnosis, or treatment are they looking for? How urgent is their situation? What are their goals and expectations? What are their financial and logistical constraints? You can use tools such as questionnaires, checklists, or interviews to gather this information from the patient and their family or caregivers. You can also consult with their primary care provider or other health professionals involved in their care to get a clear picture of their medical history and current situation.

2 Research the available options

The next step is to research the available options for specialized care that match the patient's needs and preferences. To do this, you can use a variety of sources, such as online databases, directories, websites, reviews, or referrals. For example, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Directory of Patient Advocacy Organizations provides information and support for patients with specific conditions or needs. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Find a Practitioner Directory helps patients find licensed practitioners who offer complementary and integrative health approaches. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Centers Program designates centers that provide comprehensive cancer care, research, and education. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center conducts clinical trials and studies for patients with rare or complex diseases. Additionally, you can contact your local health department, social services agency, or nonprofit organization to find out about local or regional resources that may be available for your patient.

3 Evaluate the quality and suitability

The final step is to evaluate the quality and suitability of the options you have found for specialized care. You can use criteria such as accreditation, certification, reputation, experience, outcomes, costs, and accessibility to compare and contrast the different providers, programs, or services. You can also ask questions, request references, or visit the facilities or websites to get a firsthand impression of the quality and suitability of the options. You can use tools such as ratings, reviews, or testimonials to get feedback from other patients or advocates who have used the options. You can also use tools such as brochures, flyers, or videos to get more information about the options.

Once you have evaluated the options, you can present them to your patient and help them make an informed decision based on their needs and preferences. You can also help them navigate the process of applying, enrolling, or accessing the specialized care they have chosen. You can also follow up with them to monitor their progress and satisfaction with the specialized care they are receiving.