Health advocacy is the process of promoting and protecting the health and well-being of individuals and communities. As a healthcare manager, you have a crucial role in fostering a culture of health advocacy in your organization or team. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this goal.
The first step to foster a culture of health advocacy is to identify and address the health needs of your target population, whether they are patients, clients, employees, or partners. You can use data, surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods to assess their health status, challenges, preferences, and expectations. Then, you can design and implement programs, policies, or interventions that address their needs and improve their outcomes. You can also monitor and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of your actions and make adjustments as needed.
There may be times when addressing the needs of your target population exposes conflicts among partipants. We found benefits to our communities were more important than giving providers(e.g. surgeons) personal preferences.Theses providers can adapt, learn and acquire new skills but skilled persuasion may become an asset in managerial skills. Aligning systems’ goals need to be separated from social business practices as well.
The second step to foster a culture of health advocacy is to empower and engage your stakeholders, such as staff, volunteers, partners, or community members. You can do this by providing them with information, education, training, resources, or support to help them understand and advocate for their own health and the health of others. You can also involve them in decision-making, planning, delivery, or evaluation of your health services or initiatives. You can also encourage them to share their feedback, suggestions, or concerns and listen to their voices.
My experience is that front line providers have great ideas they will share to benefit an individual client. However, they have often learned that it is not safe to advocate for system changes. Managers need to support those who question and suggest by listening carefully, reflecting on what they have heard and not retaliating on those willing to advocate for change
The third step to foster a culture of health advocacy is to collaborate and partner with others who share your vision and mission. You can do this by building relationships, networks, or coalitions with other organizations, groups, or individuals who work in the health sector or related fields. You can also coordinate, align, or integrate your efforts, resources, or goals with them to create synergy and avoid duplication or conflict. You can also communicate, share, or learn from their experiences, best practices, or challenges.
The fourth step to foster a culture of health advocacy is to advocate and influence at different levels, such as individual, organizational, community, or policy levels. You can do this by raising awareness, educating, or informing your target audiences about the health issues, needs, or solutions that matter to you and them. You can also persuade, negotiate, or lobby with decision-makers, funders, or policymakers to support, adopt, or change policies, laws, or regulations that affect the health of your population. You can also mobilize, inspire, or lead action or change among your peers, colleagues, or followers.
The fifth step to foster a culture of health advocacy is to model and promote the values that underpin health advocacy, such as equity, justice, human rights, participation, accountability, or transparency. You can do this by demonstrating these values in your own behavior, actions, or decisions as a healthcare manager. You can also promote these values in your organizational culture, policies, or practices. You can also recognize, reward, or celebrate the achievements, contributions, or efforts of your team or partners who exemplify these values.
Volunteerism is an excellent strategy to expand one’s sphere of influence. It is vital to remain open and engaged as a volunteer so the dynamic concept of “modeling values” with advocacy can have the IMPACT I intend.
The sixth and final step to foster a culture of health advocacy is to evaluate and improve your own health advocacy skills as a healthcare manager. You can do this by seeking feedback, mentoring, coaching, or supervision from your peers, supervisors, or mentors. You can also seek opportunities for learning, development, or improvement through training, courses, workshops, or conferences. You can also reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or challenges as a health advocate and set goals, plans, or actions to enhance your skills.