Pros and Cons of Patient Advocacy Groups

Description

A patient advocacy group can be a very powerful resource for patients and their family members if it is functional. It just as easily can do great harm.

Parameters:

(1) basic information

(2) latest research

(3) guidance

(4) emotional support

(5) economic support

(6) outlet for release and participation

Parameter	Functional	Dysfunctional
basic information	useful, reliable, complete, easy to understand, up to date, evidence based	unreliable, misleading, false, incorrect, anecdotal
latest research	promising research, new technologies, new treatments	unfounded rumors, nonscientific studies, personal biases
guidance	best providers and treatment centers, what to expect, how to enroll in clinical trials	slandering people, hospitals or therapies; recommending unsafe approaches
emotional support	connecting and sharing of experiences, providing a social network	taking advantage of a vulnerable population, manipulation
economic support	fundraising, assistance, insurance mediation, job security	diversion of funds for personal gain
outlet	constructive, positive	political, negative

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