The Center for Patient Partnerships
Welcome to the Center for Patient Partnerships
Join us for Robert and Rebecca Blustone's "State of Grace:" A performance of healing and art, on Thursday May 8, 2008 at the Overture Center
New! Winter/Spring 2008 Newsletter
See how the Center has engaged in the 2008 Wisconsin Film Festival
There is a Lot to Celebrate at the Center!
Center featured on WTMJ4 Milwaukee newscast: Cancer Coaches April 15, 2008
Meg Gaines featured on NPR/New York: The Bryant Park Report February 21, 2008
Ten Strategies to build partnerships with patients, authored by Center staff, appears in the January 2008 issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal.
From our annual "Shoe Fits" fundraiser, to the Komen Advocates Training Program to local and national awards, we're hitting the mark, filling critical needs, and making a difference for patients every day.
What is the Center for Patient Partnerships?
The Center for Patient Partnerships is an international leader in patient advocacy education. An interdisciplinary center of the Schools of Law, Medicine and Public Health, Nursing and Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Center trains professional and graduate-level students from a diversity of disciplines in the art and science of patient advocacy and patient-centered care. Our educational method advances the Wisconsin Idea as students assist patients and families struggling with life-threatening and serious chronic illnesses as they navigate the health care system and address related legal, financial, and psychosocial issues. Almost three-fourths of our clients and four-fifths of our students are from Wisconsin.
Four key areas of activity advance our mission: health advocacy, education, collaboration with local and national organizations, and innovation to advance health systems change.
What is patient advocacy?
Patient advocates work alongside patients to help them make informed medical decisions, get the health care they need, and build strong partnerships with providers. Advocates also provide support to assist patients as they deal with medical, legal or financial uncertainty. Advocacy on behalf of patients has been practiced in some form by nurses, social workers, physicians, lawyers and others throughout the history of medicine.
Why is patient advocacy relevant today?
The complexity of health care often overwhelms people, especially when they are diagnosed with a serious illness. Patient advocates provide support, vital information and help obtaining access to individual care when it is needed the most. Advocates also provide assistance with related legal, financial, and employment issues that surround their illness.
How can you get involved?
We seek partners for collaboration projects and innovative solutions to the health care crisis. Learn more about our efforts to collaborate and innovate, or contact us with your own ideas. Or, you can also contribute financially to the Center's work.
How can I access services?
Graduate and professional students provide free, supervised advocacy services, regardless of ability to pay. Those who wish are welcome to make a contribution to the Center. If you or a loved one or friend has a life threatening or serious chronic illness who would benefit from patient advocacy services, please complete our Application for Services and/or contact our office.
Want to Help?
As the Center for Patient Partnerships grows, you can help educate, advocate and innovate to make health systems more consumer-centered. Though we do not charge for our advocacy services, we welcome contributions to the Center. Please join the mission by contributing!
