What is the primary goal of patient advocacy in healthcare?

The primary goal of patient advocacy in healthcare is to support and protect patients' rights. This involves ensuring that patients receive appropriate care, understand their treatment options, and are informed about their health conditions and rights within the healthcare system. Patient advocates facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers, helping to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

While minimizing healthcare costs, improving patient meals, and ensuring that hospitals meet regulatory standards are important aspects of healthcare delivery, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of patient advocacy. Advocacy specifically pertains to promoting and safeguarding the interests and rights of patients, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect, and helping them navigate complex healthcare environments. This central role of advocacy fosters a patient-centered approach in healthcare, leading to better outcomes and satisfaction for individuals receiving care.