Definition There is no single definition of patient advocacy. The us National Patient Safety Foundation describes a patient advocate as a 'sup- porter, believer, sponsor, promoter campaigner, backer, or spokesperson. An effective advocate is someone you trust who is willing to act on your behalf as well as someone who can work well with other members of your healthcare team such as your doctors and nurses (NPSA, 2003). It is important that patients and families have someone to advocate for them when they are unwell or under stress. three essential components valuing, appris. ing and interceding All three are required to be present to realise
advocacy: There are two specific antecedents of advocacy- a vulner- able population and the willingness to take responsibility for patient dvocacy. The term has been linked to concepts of morality, ethics, autonomy, patient
empowerment and self determination