This report, produced by a working group of the Patients' and
Carers' Liaison Group, updates the College's policy on issues
relating to patient advocacy. It summarises definitions of
advocacy, with emphasis on the role of the advocate in helping
patients speak for themselves. The advantages of well organised
advocacy services are listed, and it is suggested that certain
patient groups, such as those from ethnic minorities, benefit
especially from their presence.
Special considerations apply when planning advocacy services
for people with learning disabilities, children and adolescents,
the elderly, and in forensic work. Training of advocates is
essential, and problems arise when advocates are untrained or when
psychiatrists and advocates allow entrenched, adversarial
situations to arise. Unfortunately, advocacy services are patchily
developed and poorly researched. Psychiatrists are encouraged to
promote advocacy schemes and to ensure that psychiatrists in
training gain experience of working with them.