Speak Up Checklist: A Self-Advocacy Guide for Hospital Patients
How to Ask for What You Need—Calmly, Clearly, and Confidently
“Your voice is part of your care plan.”
Step-by-Step Self-Advocacy Guide
1. Trust Your Gut
- Do I feel like something is being missed or delayed in my care?
- Am I uncomfortable, in pain, or confused—and unsure who to tell?
- Have I been waiting for something that hasn’t happened (like a consult, test, or discharge update)?
If yes: It’s okay to speak up. You are not complaining—you’re communicating.
2. Use Clear, Curious Language
Try saying:
- “Can you help me understand why ____ hasn’t happened yet?”
- “I’m still in pain—has there been a change in my medication plan?”
- “Is the therapy/specialist I was told about still part of the plan?”
This avoids sounding confrontational while still being assertive.
3. Know Who to Talk To
Here’s a quick who’s who:
- Nurse – Day-to-day updates, meds, care coordination
- Doctor (Hospitalist/Attending) – Care plan decisions, test orders, consults
- Social Worker or Case Manager – Discharge, insurance, equipment, placement
- Patient Advocate – Unresolved concerns, communication breakdowns
- Therapists (PT/OT/ST) – Mobility, recovery, rehab
- Chaplain or Spiritual Care – Emotional, spiritual, or grief support
“I’m not sure who handles this—can you point me in the right direction?”
4. Track Your Conversations
- Write down names, roles, and times you spoke to someone
- Note any promises or explanations given
- Follow up after a reasonable amount of time
Having a record helps keep things from slipping through the cracks.
5. Know Your Rights—And Ask for Help
You can request:
- A Patient Advocate to help you resolve concerns
- An Interpreter (legally required if you need one)
- A Medication Review if you’re unsure about what you’re taking
- A Specialist Consult (e.g., pain, neurology, psychiatry)
- Mobility Aids or therapy to help with recovery
“I’d like to speak with a patient advocate about a concern I have.”
Bonus: 5 Empowering Phrases to Use Anytime
- “Can you help me understand ___?”
- “I’m not sure who handles this—can you direct me?”
- “I’d like to request a patient advocate.”
- “I don’t feel heard—can we revisit this plan?”
- “Is there a policy u can explain to me”
