HHS HealthBeat (October 25, 2010)

Health advocates

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Nicholas Garlow with HHS HealthBeat.

Receiving serious news about your health can be stressful.  You're trying to listen to your doctor and ask questions, but you can often be overwhelmed.  This is where a health advocate can be helpful. 

They can be a family member, friend, or trusted colleague.  Dr. Carolyn Clancy is the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 
"An advocate can help ask questions, write down information and get the resources the patient needs." (7 seconds)
In many cases, a patient can be concerned about the results of a health test they've taken.  Dr. Clancy also recommends having an advocate for comfort purposes.

"This can be great support for the patient and also help them understand their options." (6 seconds)

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Nicholas Garlow.

Last revised: May 7, 2011