Advocacy

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Advocacy

Advocacy (/ˈædvəkəsi/) is a concept in healthcare and medicine that refers to the act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy, often in the context of patient care.

Etymology

The term 'advocacy' originates from the Latin word 'advocatus', which translates to 'one called to aid'. It entered the English language in the 14th century, initially referring to the act of pleading in a court of law.

Definition

In a medical context, advocacy is often associated with the role of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and doctors, in supporting patients and their families to ensure their needs and rights are met within the healthcare system. This can involve advocating for individual patients, as well as for broader public health issues.

Related Terms

  • Patient advocacy: This refers to a range of activities aimed at identifying and overcoming barriers to health care access and improving the quality of care. Patient advocates may be professionals, volunteers, family members, or patients themselves.
  • Health advocacy: This is a broader term that encompasses patient advocacy but also includes activities aimed at influencing public policy and social attitudes related to health.
  • Self-advocacy: This refers to the ability of patients or healthcare consumers to speak for and represent themselves in matters related to their health and wellbeing.
  • Policy advocacy: This involves efforts to influence public policy decisions that affect health outcomes, often at a systemic or structural level.

See Also

External links

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