How can patient advocates manage their workload?

Patient advocates are professionals who help patients navigate the complex and often confusing healthcare system. They provide information, support, and guidance to patients and their families, as well as advocate for their rights and interests. However, patient advocacy can also be a demanding and stressful job, especially when dealing with multiple cases, deadlines, and challenges. How can patient advocates manage their workload effectively and avoid burnout? Here are some tips to help you balance your tasks, prioritize your goals, and cope with stress.

1 Plan ahead

One of the keys to managing your workload as a patient advocate is to plan ahead and organize your schedule. You can use tools like calendars, apps, or spreadsheets to keep track of your appointments, deadlines, and tasks. You can also set reminders, alarms, or notifications to help you stay on top of your responsibilities. Planning ahead can help you avoid conflicts, delays, and errors, as well as allocate enough time and resources for each case.

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Saba V.

Licensed medical doctor,aesthetic physician and skin care enthusiast٫ Interested in sports medicine and public health.
Regularly review and update the care and treatment plans based on the patient’s condition. This can help in providing timely and effective care. We can also Utilize automated messaging and end-to-end patient engagement systems to reduce workload and improve patient care
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Muhammad Tahir

Passionate Registered Nurse | Dedicated to Delivering Compassionate Care, Improving Patient Outcomes, and Driving Healthcare Excellence
Time management is among the best way we can mange or reduce work load, continuous management of patient care can take a toll on our mental health, planning our schedule ahead will help us in reducing work stress and obtaining a work life balance.
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2 Delegate and collaborate

Another way to manage your workload as a patient advocate is to delegate and collaborate with others. You don't have to do everything by yourself. You can ask for help from your colleagues, supervisors, or mentors when you need it. You can also share your knowledge, skills, and experience with other patient advocates and learn from them. Delegating and collaborating can help you reduce your workload, improve your efficiency, and enhance your teamwork.

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3 Set boundaries and limits

As a patient advocate, you may feel tempted to take on more cases than you can handle, or to work longer hours than you should. However, this can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and burnout. Therefore, it is important to set boundaries and limits for yourself and others. You can say no to requests that are beyond your scope, capacity, or availability. You can also communicate your expectations and needs clearly and respectfully. Setting boundaries and limits can help you protect your health, well-being, and professionalism.

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Rawlings Oke Godwin

Medical Doctor | Offshore Medic | Bridging Healthcare Across Land and Sea
As patients advocate, it is necessary we learn to say no and also know when it is time to refer. Don't take on more than you can handle. Explain your capacity limitations and suggest alternative resources/ provider if needed.
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Dr Joseane Freitas physiotherapist

Head of physiotherapist in Kurdistan/Iraq | Specialized in Palliative Care and experience in neurological rehabilitation.
An exemple of that is avoiding exhaustion, frustration, and burnout. Create boundaries and limits for me and others. Besides that, clear and respectful communication is crucial to establish limits and protect myself and others.
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4 Prioritize and focus

Sometimes, you may face competing or conflicting demands as a patient advocate. You may have to deal with urgent or complex cases, or multiple stakeholders with different opinions or agendas. In such situations, it is essential to prioritize and focus on what matters most. You can use criteria like importance, urgency, impact, or feasibility to rank your tasks and goals. You can also focus on one thing at a time and avoid distractions or interruptions. Prioritizing and focusing can help you achieve better results and satisfaction.

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Dr. Nadeem Ahmed

Forbes 30u30 | McKinsey - Gen-AI use cases, Public & Pvt. Health Systems | Harvard Public Health Review - Managing Editor | Global 100 Leader - Oxford GLC, St. Gallen Symposium, Peter Drucker Forum
Patient advocates can manage their workload effectively by first prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Setting clear goals and realistic deadlines is crucial. Utilizing digital tools for task management and patient tracking can streamline processes.
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Abosede Folarin-George

Daisy Kids Care
Patient advocate can prioritize their workload by using level or scale. Coming from a nursing standpoint, we use acuity, level or scale for each patient, and we work with that not forgetting it can change anytime. Focusing depends a lot on each individual how they are making progress towards their goals. You as a patient advocate will spend more time with those who need more help and get other resources to help them meet their goals. For example, resources can be referrals to social worker, reading pamphlets, Nutritionist, financial department to help, calls to check up on them, sending email by joining my chat, links, phone #,websites and groups.
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Katie Tores, BSN RN

Clinical Manager II at BAYADA Home Health Care
Focus on one goal at a time, and set mini-goals to get there. Small steps lead to big changes. Also, keep speaking up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
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5 Learn and improve

As a patient advocate, you can always learn and improve your skills, knowledge, and performance. You can seek feedback from your clients, peers, managers, or mentors on how you can do better. You can also participate in training, workshops, or webinars to update yourself on the latest trends, policies, or best practices in patient advocacy. You can also reflect on your own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or challenges and set realistic and measurable goals for yourself. Learning and improving can help you grow and excel as a patient advocate.

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Rawlings Oke Godwin

Medical Doctor | Offshore Medic | Bridging Healthcare Across Land and Sea
Stay updated on healthcare trends and legislation: Endeavour to research current policy changes, treatment options, and best practices in your area of focus.
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6 Relax and recharge

Finally, as a patient advocate, you need to take care of yourself and your mental and emotional health. You can relax and recharge by engaging in activities that you enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, or leisure. You can also practice self-care techniques, such as meditation, breathing, or mindfulness. You can also seek support from your friends, family, or professional counselors if you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or depressed. Relaxing and recharging can help you cope with pressure, restore your energy, and boost your morale.

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Josh Whyte
Utilising national supportive and funded respite healthcare options. Giving lead personal carers time away for themselves to refill their bucket and get some much needed rest. An option for the patient to have another perspective and a change in scenery also as an opportunity to meet others.
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7 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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Saba V.

Licensed medical doctor,aesthetic physician and skin care enthusiast٫ Interested in sports medicine and public health.
Encourage patients to openly discuss their symptoms and self-care habits.This can help in understanding the patient’s condition better and providing appropriate care. Treat all patients with kindness and respect.This can help in building trust and improving patient satisfaction. Always act in the best interest of the patients. This can help in maintaining professional standards and ensuring patient safety. Help patients understand complex medical terminologies and procedures. The goal is to ensure that patients have the information they need to make independent decisions about their care.Advocacy is not just about speaking up for patients, but also about empowering them to speak up for themselves.
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Dr. Nadeem Ahmed

Forbes 30u30 | McKinsey - Gen-AI use cases, Public & Pvt. Health Systems | Harvard Public Health Review - Managing Editor | Global 100 Leader - Oxford GLC, St. Gallen Symposium, Peter Drucker Forum
Staying informed and continuously learning about healthcare changes helps in being proactive and efficient in advocacy roles. This seemingly helps to effectively manage workload.
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Lauren Koehler

Ready to change lives for the Better
Communication with patients is a must. Don’t assume you know exactly what they might need. Talk with them, encourage them to have a voice so that not only are you their advocate but they feel safe advocating for themselves as well
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How can patient advocates manage their workload?

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2

3

4

5

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1 Plan ahead

2 Delegate and collaborate

3 Set boundaries and limits

4 Prioritize and focus

5 Learn and improve

6 Relax and recharge

7 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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How can patient advocates manage their workload?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Delegate and collaborate

3 Set boundaries and limits

4 Prioritize and focus

5 Learn and improve

6 Relax and recharge

7 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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