Health advocacy refers to ensuring access to quality healthcare and includes coordinating care, interpreting medical information, and navigating the healthcare system. Professional advocates often have clinical or administrative backgrounds and help coordinate care among providers, interpret test results and treatments, and negotiate costs. Personal advocates like family and friends provide emotional support, help patients understand medical information, and assist with tasks like managing medications. Nurses and other healthcare professionals can also advocate through political avenues like supporting laws and regulations that improve healthcare quality and systems.