Article Overview:

This article highlights patient advocacy as vital for quality, ethical healthcare, exploring core concepts, applications, and strategies to empower patients and improve care.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the core concepts and principles of patient advocacy.
• Identify key evidence-based advocacy practices, such as shared decision-making and health literacy–sensitive communication, that enhance patient empowerment.
• Recognize common pitfalls in advocacy, including assumptions, communication barriers, and unaddressed systemic issues.