How can you collaborate more effectively with healthcare providers?

Acknowledging them while actively listening to them, builds trust on both sides. One has to keep open mindedness to their concerns, social and cultural background, physical and financial acess, political pressures, and awareness about health care. One cannot be biased to either sides. The level of interaction must be thought of.

Everyone is familiar with the concept of the Golden Rule: "do under others as you would have done unto you". As a true patient advocate you need to take this a step farther and embrace the Platinum Rule; doing under others as they would have done unto themselves. What does this mean? This means carefully and actively listening to your patient so that you can understand their needs and desires. Your patient may be operating within a different values system than you, and they may have different priorities. That's okay. It is your role to objectively provide them relevant information to make an informed decision, and then supporting them without judgement even if you don't agree with their choice.

I agree, you need to show respect for health care providers, and appreciate what they do. Everyone has a place and a purpose, to protect and provide care for patients.

Here's how it can help: 1. Aligning priorities: By understanding the challenges healthcare providers face, such as resource constraints, time limitations, and regulatory requirements, you can align your advocacy efforts with their priorities. 2. Building rapport: When you demonstrate an understanding of the goals and pressures healthcare providers face, it helps build rapport and trust. They are more likely to listen. 3. Framing your arguments: Understanding healthcare providers' challenges allows you to frame your arguments in a way that highlights the potential benefits and solutions to those challenges. 4. Collaborative problem-solving: Advocacy is most effective when it is collaborative rather than confrontational.

Clear and respectful communication is essential for effective advocacy efforts. It promotes mutual understanding, builds trust, allows for active listening, clarifies misunderstandings, upholds professionalism, and helps overcome resistance. By communicating in a clear and respectful manner, you increase the likelihood of successful collaboration with healthcare providers and achieving your advocacy goals.

Ultimately, everyone has the same goal: to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient. Remembering that you are on the same team can help minimize any tensions or tendencies towards defensive behavior or aggression from any party. Start conversations by identifying the goal, for example, "Hi, Dr. Smith, thanks for meeting to discuss Ms. Jones' pain management plan. I know we all want to find a solution that allows her to maintain as much mobility as possible." When everyone is working towards the same goal it becomes a collaboration rather than a negotiation.

To collaborate effectively and advocate ethically Build Relationships Respect providers' expertise and actively listen to foster collaboration Stay Informed Educate yourself on the system, policies, and stay updated on best practices Clear Objectives Articulate specific goals, use data, and evidence to support your arguments Assertive Communication Express thoughts confidently and respectfully, focusing on the issue at hand using "I" statements Evidence-Based Support advocacy with relevant facts, research, and evidence Advocate Ethically Adhere to ethical guidelines, respecting confidentiality and maintaining professional boundaries Maintain Relationships follow up on commitments, keep communication open, and express gratitude