Introduction to Patient Advocacy
(Law 940 – Online; Professional and online Capstone certificate students only)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the core skills employed in patient advocacy. Emphasis is placed on access and application of information, critical thinking and reflective practice, creative and collaborative problem-solving, critical questioning, and communication. Specific course topics include:
Director Meg Gaines and Student Advocate Mike Mohr
- Patient Perspectives
- Communication and Listening
- Empathy and Empowerment
- Framing Decisions
- Creative Problem-solving and Inter-professionalism
- Ethics
- Introduction to the Health Care System
- Health Literacy
- Cultural Competency
- End-of-life and Hospice
Learners also are introduced to the following substantive topics:
- Medical Debt
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- Related Employment Issues
- Insurance Pricing & Payments
- Public and Private Health Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- Clinical Trials and researching medical Information
Learn More About our Consumer Health Advocacy Certificates >
Applied Advocacy Experience: Patient-Centered Care and Health Advocacy Clinical
(Law, Medical Sciences and Nursing 768 – on campus; combination (on campus & online); or online)
Students advocate for patients with life-threatening and serious illnesses as they navigate the health care system.
Students help individuals and families:
- Evaluate treatment options
- Access quality medical care
- Converse with family members and co-workers about their illness
- Appeal insurance denials
- Assess eligibility for public and private benefits
- Address financial and employment related concerns.
Learn More About the Applied Advocacy Experience & How to Apply >
Consumer Issues in Health Care
(Law, Medical Sciences and Nursing 769 – on campus; combination (on campus & online); or online beginning spring ‘13)
This is an interdisciplinary course about patient voice and experiences in the U.S. health care system. It will explore principles and methods for engaging patients in U.S. health care and policy, evaluate various advocacy methods, and review leadership opportunities and related ethical issues.
This course is offered on the UW-Madison campus during spring semesters. For permission of instructor contact learning@patientpartnerships.org
Health Advocacy Externship
(Law 854 – on campus; combination (on campus & online); or online)
This externship opportunity is available to Certificate students wishing to apply their advocacy skills in a community-based non-profit, government entity, or health care organization. Students work with a Advocacy Faculty mentor to identify a site, on-site supervisor, and prepare a learning contract to guide their experience. The Patient-Centered Care and Health Advocacy Clinical is a prerequisite
Capstone Project or Paper (Certificate culminating experience)
The Capstone project or paper is a significant learning, self-directed project at the end of the Certificate experience. Students are paired with a faculty mentor with applicable subject matter expertise who works with the student from conception to completion. Past projects have included: an analysis of cost-savings from advocacy interventions; a video about advocacy at the stages of cancer care; creation of a welcome packet for a spinal cord injury support group; and a needs assessment for a community non-profit regarding advocacy training.
Independent Study
If you are interested in pursuing an independent study related to health advocacy, please contact us at learning@patientpartnerships.org for more information.