Balancing individual patient needs with systemic change: How can you advocate effectively for both?

Start by thoroughly understanding the unique needs of each patient. This involves active listening during patient interactions, reviewing their medical history, and understanding their social and economic context. By doing this, you can advocate for personalized care that aligns with their specific health goals and challenges. Then, while focusing on individual needs, look for patterns or common issues that affect multiple patients. These insights can help identify areas where systemic changes could address broader issues that impact many individuals.

I’d add that in making healthcare truly accessible — both in terms of communication and in terms of mobility (and otherwise), changing one person’s experience can begin to change the healthcare landscape. When we know how to effectively navigate our advocacy experiences and have the tools to resource our journeys, we also have the ability to make privatized healthcare work FOR us. Whether that’s a clinician understanding the additional testing we need and becoming an advocate for our needs, or knowing how to make our insurers work for us — change starts on an individual level. When we embrace the education needed to become resourced in this manner, we begin to change the system for the better.

I’d add that in making healthcare truly accessible — both in terms of communication and in terms of mobility (and otherwise), changing one person’s experience can begin to change the healthcare landscape. When we know how to effectively navigate our advocacy experiences and have the tools to resource our journeys, we also have the ability to make privatized healthcare work FOR us. Whether that’s a clinician understanding the additional testing we need and becoming an advocate for our needs, or knowing how to make our insurers work for us — change starts on an individual level. When we embrace the education needed to become resourced in this manner, we begin to change the system for the better.

Engaging in policy is one of the most effective ways to achieve immediate and significant improvements for patients. By combining data with compelling patient stories, advocates can illustrate the real-world impact of current policies and advocate for necessary changes that address broader systemic challenges. Directly engaging with policymakers and building coalitions amplifies these efforts, ensuring that advocacy is both strategic and impactful. It is essential to use tailored communication that resonates with your audiences, from patients to policymakers. By simultaneously addressing patient needs and advocating for sustainable systemic change, we can create a ripple effect that strengthens the system and benefits all patients.

Ways to get started on your advocacy journey: - become educated about your rights, which may include recording your encounters depending on your state; - understand accommodations, if needed — including language interpretation and mobility access; - ask yourself who knows your body best: no matter how many years a clinician has in service, they cannot fully understand your experience unless you find effective ways to communicate it. Brief and clear health histories are a wonderful place to start, and companies like Pictal Health can help you create a visual that includes life events and so much more. - find a professional advocate to support your journey. Whether it’s mindset or logistics, we care about your success!