How can you report patient advocacy activities?

1 Define your purpose and audience

The first step in reporting patient advocacy activities is to define your purpose and audience. Why are you reporting your activities and to whom? Your purpose and audience will determine the format, content, tone, and frequency of your report. For example, if you are reporting to your employer, you may need to use a formal and structured report that follows their guidelines and expectations. If you are reporting to your clients, you may need to use a more informal and personalized report that highlights their feedback and outcomes. If you are reporting to a funding agency or a regulatory body, you may need to use a specific and standardized report that meets their criteria and requirements.

2 Choose your format and method

The next step in reporting patient advocacy activities is to choose your format and method. How will you present and deliver your report? Your format and method will depend on your purpose and audience, as well as your resources and preferences. For example, you may choose to use a written report, a verbal report, a visual report, or a combination of these. You may also choose to use different methods to deliver your report, such as email, phone, video call, online platform, or in-person meeting. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each format and method, and choose the one that best suits your needs and expectations.

3 Collect and organize your data

The third step in reporting patient advocacy activities is to collect and organize your data. Depending on your purpose and audience, as well as your roles and activities, your data may include the number and type of clients served, the number and type of activities performed, the goals and objectives achieved, the challenges and barriers faced, the feedback and testimonials received, the outcomes and impacts generated, and the lessons learned and recommendations made. You should arrange this data in a way that is accurate, relevant, clear, and concise. To assist in this task, you can use various tools and techniques such as spreadsheets, charts, graphs, tables, or narratives.

4 Analyze and interpret your data

The fourth step in reporting patient advocacy activities is to analyze and interpret your data. This requires an objective, critical, and reflective approach, and you may use different methods and frameworks, such as SWOT analysis, SMART goals, or logic models. Your analysis and interpretation will depend on your purpose and audience, as well as your perspective and judgment. For example, you may compare your performance with expectations and standards, identify strengths and weaknesses, highlight successes and challenges, explain findings and conclusions, or provide evidence for claims and recommendations.

5 Write and edit your report

The fifth step in reporting patient advocacy activities is to write and edit your report. You should consider the purpose and audience, as well as the format and method, when crafting your document. It is important to follow the structure and style of your chosen format and method while using clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and acronyms. Additionally, you should use headings, subheadings, bullet points, transitions, charts, graphs, tables, images, citations, references, appendices, and other resources or tools to organize your report effectively. Lastly, you should proofread and revise your report for any spelling, grammar, punctuation or formatting errors. Writing and editing your report in a professional, respectful and persuasive manner will help you communicate your data and analysis effectively.

6 Share and follow up on your report

The sixth and final step in reporting patient advocacy activities is to share and follow up on your report. Depending on your purpose and audience, as well as format and method, you may distribute and monitor your report in a timely and appropriate manner. Inviting feedback and questions from your audience, discussing the report with them, implementing any actions or recommendations, evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the report, and updating it as needed are all important steps. You should share and follow up on your report in a collaborative, responsive, and accountable way. To do this, you may use strategies such as reminders, acknowledgments, surveys, or meetings.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?