National Patient Advocacy Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Patient Advocacy Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Patient Advocacy Day is celebrated on August 19th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Patient Advocacy Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you might want to know about National Patient Advocacy Day.

📅 What day is National Patient Advocacy Day 2024?

In 2024, National Patient Advocacy Day is on Saturday, August 19th. It is the 3rd Saturday in August; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the exciting details and facts about August 19, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Patient Advocacy Day, on the 19th of August, is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the crucial role patient advocates play in navigating the complex healthcare system. Hospitals and healthcare professionals often face overwhelming workloads that distract them from providing attentive patient care. Patient advocates step in to provide valuable support by assisting individuals with healthcare coverage challenges, such as understanding Medicaid eligibility and helping with enrollment processes. The day also highlights the services offered by healthcare institutions and emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare coverage difficulties.

📜 National Patient Advocacy Day History

In the 1970s, patient advocacy gained significant importance in the United States as the Patient Rights movement grew. The National Welfare Rights Organization (N.W.R.O.) played a crucial role in shaping patient advocacy by developing a patient’s bill of rights, which had a significant influence on other groups and writings of that time. For example, the Joint Commission introduced requirements for hospital accreditation in 1970, and the American Hospital Association established a Patient Bill of Rights in 1972, both inspired by N.W.R.O.’s work.

Fast forward to the early 2000s, individual patient advocacy started gaining popularity in the United States, and ten years later, it also gained recognition in Australia. This profession is now seen as a valuable option for improving healthcare outcomes in hospitals and communities. DECO Recovery Management launched a day in 2019 to raise awareness about the services they offer to healthcare institutions, particularly regarding Medicaid eligibility.

✅ National Patient Advocacy Day Facts

🔖 Most patient advocates are female
82.5% of patient advocates are women.

🔖 Average age of patient advocates
On average, a patient advocate is around 40 years of age.

🔖 75,066 patient advocates in America
Currently, there are a total of 75,066 patient advocates employed in the United States.

👍 Why Is National Patient Advocacy Day Important

Patient advocacy gives people a voice and makes them more knowledgeable about their medical treatment. It keeps them informed of the therapy and treatments they are undergoing. It makes dealing with medical situations simpler.

It improves therapeutic efficacy and health outcomes. Listening can help patients feel less apprehensive, especially when combined with proactive communication.

Many patients are unable to advocate for themselves because medical language and services overwhelm them. Patient advocates guide them through decision-making and remind them of their rights.

🙂 How To Observe National Patient Advocacy Day

⚡ Make contact with a patient advocacy group
If you or someone you know needs the help of an advocate, the patient advocacy foundation is available to provide assistance. To learn more about the services they offer and what they can do for you, you can visit their website.

⚡ Participate in a virtual event
Many organizations will be hosting virtual advocacy activities today. Participating in one of these events will give you the opportunity to gain knowledge about patient advocacy, receive advocacy training, and understand the important role of patient advocates.

⚡ Conduct your own research
Research the various options for patient advocacy services. Explore the factors you should consider when searching for a patient advocate service that can assist with Medicaid eligibility.

📅 When is National Patient Advocacy Day?

You can view all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Patient Advocacy Day. So be sure to check back soon.