Which of the following is a key principle of patient advocacy?

Ensuring patients understand their treatments is a fundamental principle of patient advocacy. Advocacy in healthcare involves supporting and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care. By ensuring that patients fully comprehend their treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternative approaches, advocates help them navigate their healthcare journey effectively. This understanding is essential for patients to participate actively in their care and to make choices that align with their values and preferences.

Other options touch on important elements of healthcare but do not encapsulate the essence of patient advocacy. For example, promoting the best interest of the healthcare facility may prioritize institutional needs over the individual patient's well-being. Following physician orders blindly undermines the concept of informed consent and disregards the patient's right to be an active participant in their own care. While maintaining patient confidentiality is crucial in healthcare, it is a separate ethical obligation and does not directly relate to the core principle of advocating for patient understanding and participation.