Negotiating with authorities in patient advocacy can be challenging, but also rewarding. Whether you are advocating for yourself, a family member, or a client, you need to know how to communicate effectively, build trust, and resolve conflicts. In this article, you will learn some tips and strategies to help you negotiate with authorities in patient advocacy.
Authorities in patient advocacy are the people or organizations that have the power to make decisions or influence outcomes related to your health care. They can include doctors, nurses, insurers, administrators, regulators, legislators, and others. They may have different perspectives, goals, and interests than you or your advocate. Therefore, you need to understand their roles, responsibilities, and motivations before you negotiate with them.
Preparation is key for successful negotiation. You need to do your homework and gather relevant information, such as your medical history, diagnosis, treatment options, costs, benefits, risks, and alternatives. You also need to identify your goals, needs, and preferences, as well as those of your authority. You should also anticipate potential objections, questions, or concerns that they may have, and prepare your responses. Finally, you should plan your strategy, such as when, where, and how to initiate the negotiation, what tone and style to use, and what concessions or compromises you are willing to make.
Communication is essential for negotiation. You need to use clear, respectful, and assertive language, and avoid jargon, slang, or emotional expressions. You also need to listen actively, and show empathy and understanding for the authority's point of view. You should ask open-ended questions, and seek clarification or confirmation when needed. You should also use positive feedback, and acknowledge the authority's contributions or efforts. Moreover, you should use non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, nodding, and smiling, to convey interest and confidence.
I think an overlooked but important strategic element is always to try to negotiate "in person". There is a tendency to default to the telephone or even teleconference "Zoom" calls and the like, but, the most effective strategy is to handle these advocacy situations with direct person to person contact. Have a clear understanding of your ultimate goal and assume that the other person can help you, if you can show them "how" to get where you want them to be.
Trust and rapport are important for negotiation. You need to establish a positive and professional relationship with the authority, and show them that you are credible, reliable, and respectful. You can do this by being honest, transparent, and consistent in your communication, and by following through on your commitments. You can also show appreciation, gratitude, and recognition for the authority's work or expertise. Furthermore, you can find common ground, and emphasize shared values, goals, or interests.
Conflicts or disputes are inevitable in negotiation. You need to handle them constructively, and avoid escalation or confrontation. You can do this by focusing on the problem, not the person, and by using collaborative, not competitive, approaches. You should also express your feelings and needs, and listen to the authority's feelings and needs, without blaming or criticizing. You should also explore options and alternatives, and seek win-win solutions that satisfy both parties. Additionally, you should use mediation or arbitration if necessary, and involve a third party who can help facilitate the resolution.
Evaluation and follow up are crucial for negotiation. You need to review and reflect on the negotiation process and outcome, and assess whether you achieved your goals, needs, and preferences, and whether the authority did the same. You should also identify what worked well, and what could be improved, and learn from your experience. Moreover, you should document and confirm the agreement, and ensure that both parties understand and comply with their obligations. Lastly, you should maintain contact and communication with the authority, and monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of the agreement.
When negotiating with authorities in patient advocacy, it's important to present clear evidence, collaborate with other advocates, and maintain open communication. For example, providing data and personal stories to support the need for improved access to affordable medications.