How do you advocate for collaborative priorities?

Understanding the viewpoints, interests, and resources of these stakeholders is crucial to identify common goals and collaborative priorities. Besides, the legal and regulatory frameworks governing healthcare vary from one country or region to another. Understanding the specific legal and regulatory context is essential for effective patient advocacy as it determines the boundaries within which advocacy efforts must occur.

Sometimes patients encounter conditions while in a facility that they have already solved at home (elimination issues, chronic headache or other pain issues, etc.). If they have already found a way to manage the problem at home, I make sure the providers know what has already worked. It takes the guesswork out of an otherwise complicated issue.

Collaborative patient advocacy requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy organizations. Understanding the viewpoints, interests, and resources of these stakeholders is crucial to identify common goals and collaborative priorities. Besides, political and social factors greatly influence the prioritization of patient advocacy efforts. Advocacy goals may change depending on the current political landscape, public opinion on healthcare issues, or ongoing social movements relevant to patient care and rights.

Differences of healthcare costs, insurance coverage, and reimbursement policies can influence the priorities set by patient advocacy organizations. Addressing financial barriers differences to healthcare and advocating for equitable access to affordable treatments besides all differences are often critical priorities in patient advocacy. Patient advocacy takes place at various levels, including local, national, and international. Understanding the specific context, differences and policy landscape at each level is essential to identify priorities that address the most pressing healthcare needs and advocacy gaps.

In my experience as a cancer patient - I have learned there is no one size fits all approach. I help run a peer support group for young women and the breadth of our experiences varies a lot. To meet patient needs - healthcare professionals need to be open to really listening and taking on board what patients tell them - ultimately ideal situations are a win / win.

We all deserve respect and our opinions should be valued. It’s important that all people regardless of any status feel that they are not only being heard but listened to. Active listening allows you to see all perspectives. It also provides the opportunity for open and honest conversations. In any situation we face communication is key in fostering healthy relationships.

Advocacy goals may change depending on the current political landscape, public opinion on healthcare issues, or ongoing social movements relevant to patient care and rights.Advances in healthcare and technology can significantly impact the prioritization of patient advocacy efforts. New treatments, diagnostic tools, or healthcare delivery models may require advocacy efforts to ensure their accessibility and affordability to patient populations.

We need to be mindful that we often advocate from a position we know, that is familiar. I really had my eyes opened when I met a lady with autism who was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Her experience was very different to mine. We need to be open to considering all areas of health equity and pivoting where necessary. Health outcomes will be improved when health systems are truly equitable.

Evidence-based research and data play a crucial role in shaping priorities for patient advocacy. An understanding of the current scientific evidence can help identify areas where advocacy efforts are most needed and where they are likely to have the most impact.Besides, Patient advocacy takes place at various levels, including local, national, and international. Understanding the specific context and policy landscape at each level is essential to identify priorities that address the most pressing healthcare needs and advocacy.