Physiotherapists as Advocates for Individuals Living With Dementia: Difference between revisions

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Advocacy involves speaking out on behalf of another individual or group of individuals in a way that represents their best interests. The New Penguin English Dictionary defines advocacy as “active support or pleading”. From this definition it can be implied that advocacy entails supporting someone by actively acquiring resources for them or on their behalf. There are many different forms advocacy can take, such as self-advocacy, legal advocacy and independent advocacy, and anyone who possesses the necessary skills can act as an advocate. In health care, advocates act according to the patient’s values and wishes and advocacy can be seen as part of the therapeutic relationship between the patient and health care professional (Campagna, 2013). It involves informing the patient of their rights, ensuring they have the required information to make informed decisions, supporting the patient in their decision, and protecting their interests and rights (Bateman, 2000). Advocacy is also about influencing decision-making, and health care professionals use this skill everyday. Whether it is persuading a patient to stop smoking, convincing colleagues to improve patient care or ensuring a patient has access to the services they require, advocacy is taking place.  
Advocacy involves speaking out on behalf of another individual or group of individuals in a way that represents their best interests. The New Penguin English Dictionary defines advocacy as “active support or pleading”. From this definition it can be implied that advocacy entails supporting someone by actively acquiring resources for them or on their behalf. There are many different forms advocacy can take, such as self-advocacy, legal advocacy and independent advocacy, and anyone who possesses the necessary skills can act as an advocate. In health care, advocates act according to the patient’s values and wishes and advocacy can be seen as part of the therapeutic relationship between the patient and health care professional (Campagna, 2013). It involves informing the patient of their rights, ensuring they have the required information to make informed decisions, supporting the patient in their decision, and protecting their interests and rights (Bateman, 2000). Advocacy is also about influencing decision-making, and health care professionals use this skill everyday. Whether it is persuading a patient to stop smoking, convincing colleagues to improve patient care or ensuring a patient has access to the services they require, advocacy is taking place.  


=== Why is Advocacy Important & Who Requires One?  ===
<h3> Why is Advocacy Important &amp; Who Requires One?  </h3>
 
<p>Advocacy arises as a result of working with people who are disadvantaged in some way. Individuals working with groups who are marginalized in society, such as the elderly, ethnic minorities, or individuals with disabilities, must be prepared to act as advocates on their behalf. Since advocacy involves aiding and supporting individuals or groups, it fits into the range of fundamental activities performed by health-care professionals. Advocacy can provide an element of informed and compassionate health care planning and delivery that is available from no other source (Bateman, 2000). Every individual has equal rights to access the services they require, but particular populations or individuals may be unable to protect their own rights or access services. It is vital that individuals who are disempowered in some way are not subject to inadvertent discrimination or decreased access to services because of their circumstances. Advocacy is a mechanism through which individuals’ rights are enabled and protected.<br />  
Advocacy arises as a result of working with people who are disadvantaged in some way. Individuals working with groups who are marginalized in society, such as the elderly, ethnic minorities, or individuals with disabilities, must be prepared to act as advocates on their behalf. Since advocacy involves aiding and supporting individuals or groups, it fits into the range of fundamental activities performed by health-care professionals. Advocacy can provide an element of informed and compassionate health care planning and delivery that is available from no other source (Bateman, 2000). Every individual has equal rights to access the services they require, but particular populations or individuals may be unable to protect their own rights or access services. It is vital that individuals who are disempowered in some way are not subject to inadvertent discrimination or decreased access to services because of their circumstances. Advocacy is a mechanism through which individuals’ rights are enabled and protected.<br>  
</p><p>Advocacy may include supporting an individual to: (Centacare!!!)<br />  
 
</p>
Advocacy may include supporting an individual to: (Centacare!!!)<br>
<ul><li>The right to confidentiality and privacy<br />  
 
</li><li>The right to dignity and respect<br />  
*The right to confidentiality and privacy<br>
</li><li>The right to quality services<br />  
*The right to dignity and respect<br>
</li><li>The right to choice and control<br />  
*The right to quality services<br>
</li><li>The right to information to inform decision making<br />  
*The right to choice and control<br>
</li><li>The right to non-discriminatory service<br />  
*The right to information to inform decision making<br>
</li><li>The right to make complaints<br />  
*The right to non-discriminatory service<br>
</li><li>The right to protection of legal and human rights, and freedom from abuse and neglect<br />
*The right to make complaints<br>
</li></ul>
*The right to protection of legal and human rights, and freedom from abuse and neglect<br>
<p>Individuals require advocates for various reasons. As discussed above, advocacy comes from working with people who are disadvantaged in some way. These disadvantaged populations are vulnerable and often marginalized in society. They may be momentarily vulnerable, weakened by illness or injury; or distressed by a loved one’s suffering, disability, or death. Often these populations may have difficulty self-advocating and may struggle to protect their own rights. They may include ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals living with dementia.<br />
 
</p>


=== What Skills or Attributes are Required to be an Advocate?  ===
=== What Skills or Attributes are Required to be an Advocate?  ===

Revision as of 19:11, 20 November 2016

Welcome to <a href="Current and Emerging Roles in Physiotherapy Practice">Current and Emerging Roles in Physiotherapy Practice</a>. This page is being developed by participants of a project to populate the Spinal Cord Injury section of Physiopedia. 
  • Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!  
  • If you would like to get involved in this project and earn accreditation for your contributions, <a href="mailto:[email protected]">please get in touch</a>!

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Introduction[edit | edit source]

Dementia is a global health priority, affecting populations worldwide (WHO 2015). Health care issues, including dementia, are taking center stage in both political and media discussions, and health professionals, including physiotherapists, must be ready to participate in these discussions with confidence and influence. The Scottish Government’s Proposal for Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy 2016-19, states the need for continued support to improve all areas of dementia care, at all stages of the condition. It is crucial that individuals with dementia receive the care and services they require and are not disempowered or discriminated against due to their condition. The Proposal for Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy 2016-19 also prioritizes “enhancing a multi-disciplinary approach to care at home, including the promotion of the therapeutic and enabling role of AHPs for people with dementia” (pg. 7). By taking on the role of advocate and tackling key issues related to dementia and dementia care, physiotherapists can ensure the rights of every individual are being upheld, that each person is receiving the best possible care, and that no individual living with dementia is victimized or discriminated against.
In Scotland there are almost no courses on developing the skills needed for advocacy, with the few available being continuing education diplomas and certificates in Independent and Mental Capacity Advocacy (City and Guilds). Advocacy is not directly included in professional qualification courses and there are few books available on the subject, further indicating the need for this wiki.

Target Audience[edit | edit source]

This is a learning resource for practicing physiotherapists and physiotherapy students to give them the tools necessary to act as advocates for individuals living with dementia.

Learning Outcomes[edit | edit source]

By the end of this wiki, you should:

  1. Critically identify the need for advocacy on behalf of people living with dementia.
  2. Critically discuss the potential attitudes and perceptions of health-care professionals and the general population towards individuals living with dementia.
  3. Be able to critically evaluate the role of physiotherapist as advocate for individuals living with dementia.
  4. Be able to reflect on personal experiences of providing physiotherapy to vulnerable populations and identify opportunities for advocacy.

Advocacy[edit | edit source]

What is Advocacy?[edit | edit source]

Advocacy involves speaking out on behalf of another individual or group of individuals in a way that represents their best interests. The New Penguin English Dictionary defines advocacy as “active support or pleading”. From this definition it can be implied that advocacy entails supporting someone by actively acquiring resources for them or on their behalf. There are many different forms advocacy can take, such as self-advocacy, legal advocacy and independent advocacy, and anyone who possesses the necessary skills can act as an advocate. In health care, advocates act according to the patient’s values and wishes and advocacy can be seen as part of the therapeutic relationship between the patient and health care professional (Campagna, 2013). It involves informing the patient of their rights, ensuring they have the required information to make informed decisions, supporting the patient in their decision, and protecting their interests and rights (Bateman, 2000). Advocacy is also about influencing decision-making, and health care professionals use this skill everyday. Whether it is persuading a patient to stop smoking, convincing colleagues to improve patient care or ensuring a patient has access to the services they require, advocacy is taking place.

Why is Advocacy Important & Who Requires One?

Advocacy arises as a result of working with people who are disadvantaged in some way. Individuals working with groups who are marginalized in society, such as the elderly, ethnic minorities, or individuals with disabilities, must be prepared to act as advocates on their behalf. Since advocacy involves aiding and supporting individuals or groups, it fits into the range of fundamental activities performed by health-care professionals. Advocacy can provide an element of informed and compassionate health care planning and delivery that is available from no other source (Bateman, 2000). Every individual has equal rights to access the services they require, but particular populations or individuals may be unable to protect their own rights or access services. It is vital that individuals who are disempowered in some way are not subject to inadvertent discrimination or decreased access to services because of their circumstances. Advocacy is a mechanism through which individuals’ rights are enabled and protected.

Advocacy may include supporting an individual to: (Centacare!!!)

  • The right to confidentiality and privacy
  • The right to dignity and respect
  • The right to quality services
  • The right to choice and control
  • The right to information to inform decision making
  • The right to non-discriminatory service
  • The right to make complaints
  • The right to protection of legal and human rights, and freedom from abuse and neglect

Individuals require advocates for various reasons. As discussed above, advocacy comes from working with people who are disadvantaged in some way. These disadvantaged populations are vulnerable and often marginalized in society. They may be momentarily vulnerable, weakened by illness or injury; or distressed by a loved one’s suffering, disability, or death. Often these populations may have difficulty self-advocating and may struggle to protect their own rights. They may include ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals living with dementia.

What Skills or Attributes are Required to be an Advocate?[edit | edit source]

Advocate’s Attitudes and Beliefs[edit | edit source]

Dementia[edit | edit source]

Advocacy Against Discrimination[edit | edit source]

Advocacy for Changing Attitudes[edit | edit source]

Advocacy for Maintaining Dignity and Independence[edit | edit source]

Clinical Application[edit | edit source]

Recent Related Research (from <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/">Pubmed</a>)[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]

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