Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: Navigating Chronic Illness
Price
Free
Duration
When living with a chronic illness, navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming. Between doctor visits, medications, treatments, and managing symptoms, it’s easy to feel lost or unheard. This is where self-advocacy becomes a powerful tool—it enables you to take control of your healthcare and ensure your voice is heard in the decision-making process.
About the Course
Course Overview: Self-Advocacy in Healthcare – Navigating Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness often means managing complex healthcare decisions, advocating for your needs, and finding a balance between treatment options and personal well-being. This Self-Advocacy in Healthcare course is designed to empower individuals to confidently navigate the healthcare system, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to advocate for their health effectively.
Through self-paced modules, this course offers step-by-step guidance, practical tools, and insider knowledge to help participants take control of their healthcare journey. It provides essential insights into topics like patient rights, effective communication strategies with healthcare providers, and building a support network.
Who is This Course For?
This course is ideal for anyone living with a chronic illness, caregivers, or individuals who want to be proactive about their health. It's especially helpful for those who may feel overwhelmed by the healthcare system, struggle to communicate their needs, or want to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Key Features of the Course
Self-Paced LearningComplete the course at your convenience. The content is designed to fit into your schedule, so you can learn at your own pace without any time pressures.
Engaging, Practical ModulesEach module focuses on a core aspect of self-advocacy, including understanding your healthcare rights, communicating effectively with your medical team, and navigating insurance and billing. With actionable steps, worksheets, and resources, you’ll gain skills you can apply immediately.
Expert Insights and Real-World Scenarios Drawing on real-world experiences and expert advice, the course covers practical scenarios to help you feel prepared for doctor visits, understand treatment options, and handle difficult conversations.
Supportive Tools and ResourcesThroughout the course, you’ll receive downloadable templates for documenting your symptoms, organizing your medical records, and tracking your progress. These resources are designed to help you build confidence and gain clarity in managing your health.
Exclusive Access to a Community of Support Self-advocacy is a journey best taken with support. Participants have access to a private online community, where you can connect with others on a similar path, share insights, and ask questions. This collaborative space fosters encouragement and shared learning.
Course Outline
Module 1: Understanding Self-Advocacy and Why It Matters
Introduction to self-advocacy
Exploring the benefits and impact on long-term health outcomes
Module 2: Knowing Your Rights in Healthcare
Patient rights and protections
Understanding informed consent, privacy, and access to information
Module 3: Communicating with Your Healthcare Team
Techniques for effective communication
How to ask the right questions and express your concerns
Module 4: Navigating Treatment Options and Second Opinions
Making informed treatment decisions
When and how to seek a second opinion
Module 5: Managing Health Insurance and Billing
Basics of health insurance and managing medical costs
Strategies to handle billing errors and insurance disputes
Module 6: Building and Using Your Support System
The role of caregivers, family, and friends in your healthcare journey
How to build a support system that empowers you
Module 7: Tools for Documenting and Tracking Your Health
The importance of medical documentation
How to keep records and track symptoms effectively
Why Take This Course?
Navigating the healthcare system is challenging, especially for those dealing with the complexities of chronic illness. This course empowers you with knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to make decisions that reflect your needs and goals. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to advocate for yourself effectively and improve the quality of your healthcare experience.
Empower yourself to be your best advocate! Enroll today and take the first step toward a more confident and informed healthcare journey.
Your Instructor
Susan Hendrix, MHA, Ph.D
This professional is a highly experienced and skilled individual with a strong background in the healthcare industry. With a Master's degree in Health Care Administration and a Ph.D. in Psychology, they have a deep understanding of the healthcare system and its management. She has held various senior roles such as owner, founder, and business development professional in hospitals and health care organizations. Her expertise lies in leadership development, strategic planning, coaching, and public speaking. Susan also is passionate about raising awareness for chronic illnesses, as seen through their work as a podcast host and founder of a foundation for chronic illness awareness.