Professional healthcare advocates work in hospitals or community healthcare centres to help you get the services you need.
Health advocates go by different names in different organizations:
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patient navigators
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patient liaisons
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patient advocates
Health advocates are often nurses, social workers or professionals with health care experience who help you:
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find out where services are located
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book appointments and prepare you for medical visits
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gather health information
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understand your diagnosis
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explain medical conditions
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make decisions about your treatment options
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understand your medications
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obtain support services
Patient navigators also provide information on community support services, help direct you through the cancer care system, and provide emotional support.
Some patient navigators help you if you have a specific disease or need support based on your background, age, language or spiritual needs. For example, the Breast Health Patient Navigators (BHPN) at the Victoria Breast Health Centre are nurses who answer questions and prepare you for treatment visits with specialists.
