Systems Change
What is Systems Change?
By identifying and recognizing systemic problems, we can create positive change. Our approach is to recognize recurrent challenges that patients encounter as they navigate our complex health care system. Insights from our advocacy will help us to identify “causes,” or issues where we can promote systems change at a broader level.
Each year, we will identify one “cause”: either a problem that affects many patients or a specific aspect of the medical system that is in need of strengthening.
We will then work in collaboration with allies including health care systems, insurance organizations, local and state governments and patients, to raise awareness of the problem, seek to understand root causes and find solutions. By building partnerships to address key issues, we hope to create transformational change.
HEI’s 2025 Systems Change Cause: DON’T GO IT ALONE!
Patient Accompaniment is key to successfully navigating a healthcare crisis
“Everyone… needs accompaniment at some stage of life and… some need it more than others.”
Like Dr. Paul Farmer, HEI embraces patient accompaniment. The accompagnateur or patient advocate can be a family member, friend or a professional. Everyone navigating the healthcare system can benefit from the support of an advocate.
It is wise to face health care challenges with a friend and/or advisor. We hope to communicate to patients the critical importance of seeking accompaniment when you are diagnosed with a serious medical illness.
Why? Because that family member or friend can be there for you as a second set of ears and eyes. They can take notes for you so you can concentrate on listening to your doctor. They know you and your circumstances and can share an invaluable perspective on your illness with your doctors. Importantly, studies show that patient outcomes and adherence to medications are better when patients with serious medical illness are accompanied.
Help is Available!
Assistance can come in many forms:
- Friends/family
- PT/OT who is familiar with you and your home
- Psychotherapists/doctors/nurses
- Professional patient advocates/care managers
- Hospice agencies
- In Massachusetts: the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Insurance planners
- Daily money managers
Advocacy can come from any of these sources or all of them.
HEI offers a compass to guide patients to an organized approach to any given medical problem that will help ensure that all options are considered and addressed.
