Making decisions about one’s healthcare was complex prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with the healthcare system facing a variety of challenges, knowing what reliable resources there are to assist in making informed decisions can feel confusing during uncertain times. It is understandable to have questions about your healthcare concerns in the short term and long term. In this post, I explore questions I’ve received from clients and community members and identify some reliable resources to aid in informed decision making.

It may seem like a strange question for an independent patient advocate to be asking, but I assure you it is an important one. In the past few weeks, we have learned to adapt to a new way of life. One in which we make an itemized grocery list and hope that the online service from which we are ordering OR the store itself has the items we are most interested in on its shelves. Going to or ordering from a grocery store is now a planned event, one that takes preparation and careful thought. So, while we are focused on what it is in our refrigerator, it is important to give thought to what may not be ON our refrigerator.

What may be missing from the front of your refrigerator?

Due to the volume of patients needing care during the COVID- 19 pandemic, many hospitals and facilities are not allowing patients to be accompanied. This is a challenge for everyone since the patient will not have a loved one/friend to advocate for them bedside. It will be hard for healthcare providers to know who to reach out to regarding important decisions should the patient be incapacitated. You can help. Make sure you have a “go” plan and bag should hospitalization be necessary.

Navigating our own healthcare needs at this time when the system is extremely stressed can be challenging. Many routine appointments are canceled, postponed, or rescheduled. However, there are healthcare needs related to the monitoring of chronic conditions or illnesses, or specific diagnoses that would not be beneficial to postpone or reschedule.

At this time when we are guided to “stay at home,” we find ourselves juggling responsibilities and filling time once occupied by out of the home activities, meetings, gatherings, etc.

Now is a good time to create, review, and update your Personal Health Record. Unlike your electronic health records stored on a portal for your different pharmacies and healthcare providers, a personal health record is a compilation of information about your health.

What should you include in your personal health record?

It is extremely important that adults 18 years of age and older have advance directives in place! While many people may have filled out legal documents regarding your estate plans, it is likely you haven't written out and reviewed with others the specifics of what you want and don't want regarding end of life care.

In my work, I always remind people that having these documents in place and discussed with those you care about and care about you, is actually a gift. It's a gift because