Patient Representatives — Tasks

Task statements

• Coordinate communication between patients, family members, medical staff, administrative staff, or regulatory agencies.
• Interview patients or their representatives to identify problems relating to care.
• Maintain knowledge of community services and resources available to patients.
• Refer patients to appropriate health care services or resources.
• Explain policies, procedures, or services to patients using medical or administrative knowledge.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Collect and report data on topics, such as patient encounters or inter-institutional problems, making recommendations for change when appropriate.
• Investigate and direct patient inquiries or complaints to appropriate medical staff members and follow up to ensure satisfactory resolution.
• Analyze patients' abilities to pay to determine charges on a sliding scale.
• Identify and share research, recommendations, or other information regarding legal liabilities, risk management, or quality of care.
• Develop and distribute newsletters, brochures, or other printed materials to share information with patients or medical staff.
• Provide consultation or training to volunteers or staff on topics, such as guest relations, patients' rights, or medical issues.
• Teach patients to use home health care equipment.