Advocacy and the perspective of (neurology) nursing

Abstract

The advocacy role of neurology nurses—similar as to other involved healthcare professionals—is to support the patient and the caregiver through active involvement in analysing needs during the disease process and thereby improve a present condition of state. Advocacy is an activity to act in the best interest of the patient, in accordance with their wishes. In caretaking for patients’ well-being, the neurology nurse has to keep patients properly informed and carry out treatment and care plans with competence and diligence, while maintaining patients’ confidentiality. Neurology nurses in this way can contribute their expertise and influence as they work with communities or patient populations to improve health. With a case study of a neuro-oncology patient, it is made clear how neurology nurses will be able to determine and understand needs, speak on behalf of others when required, and support the mobilization of resources to effect change, and in this way, improve quality of care. Within multidisciplinary care the neurology nurse can have the role of a patient’s care navigator. When acknowledged as a case manager, the neurology nurse is able to deploy advocacy for the patients she takes care of.