ABOUT CAHA

What is a Professional Health Advocate?

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A Professional Health Advocate is an independent professional who offers specialized healthcare-related support. They may be hired by patients, survivors or caregivers to help them to get reliable information, so they can make healthcare decisions that are right for them. For example, a Professional Health Advocate can help with

·  communicating with medical professionals;

·  researching and finding reliable information;

·  helping to navigate the healthcare system.

We see that Canadians experience gaps in the healthcare and follow-up support that they receive, which compromises their health and wellbeing. Professional Health Advocates have the ability to provide important support to help close those gaps, to reduce stress, and to improve health outcomes.

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Why are we creating CAHA?

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We are building the Canadian Association of Health Advocates to support the field of Professional Health Advocacy as it emerges in Canada. We believe the field will gain momentum and credibility if advocates and supporters work together to address important challenges and concerns in the field:

·  Many Canadians do not know that Professional Health Advocacy services are available, and so they miss out on this important support.

·  Professional Health Advocacy is an unregulated field at this time, and so patients and their loved ones struggle to know who is trustworthy and skilled to address their concerns.

·  Many medical professionals – like doctors and nurses – don’t know about Professional Health Advocates or how they can work with them to best help the patient.

With a united voice, Professional Health Advocates can create a new reality for our profession, so we can create a new reality for Canadian patients.

OUR VISION

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All Canadians receive timely and appropriate health care.

All patients and their loved ones feel supported during periods of health crisis and stress. 

OUR MISSION

Raise public awareness about Professional Health Advocacy. Provide education about our professionals who are compassionate, experienced and qualified in navigating the healthcare system.

Establish standards of practice and accreditation for Canadian Professional Health Advocates.

Build relationships of mutual trust and collaboration between healthcare providers and our network of advocates.

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