Patient-Centered Care and Advocacy
I was introduced to O&P about 25 years ago when I got a job at the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics. I, like most people who are not engaged in O,P&P care, gave little thought to the field. I was aware, but not familiar. Once I understood what this is all about, I became a huge fan and advocate. Each patient is unique, and each successful intervention creates untold opportunities for that patient. But like all things, when you do something for a long time, the awe and excitement can be diminished over time. It is hard to maintain that early excitement all the time and the work can become routine.
This past week, Paul and I had the privilege of participating in AOPA’s Policy Forum on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. This is an opportunity to give our lawmakers a peek into the transformative power of O&P care. It is only a glimpse as our time with each legislator or their staff representative is extremely limited. And if you go, you will see that we are one of a seemingly endless stream of people filing through their doors with impassioned pleas for action. We leave behind materials and encourage those people to reach out. But again, we have 15 minutes or less to make our case.
It is important to know that advocacy isn’t just for DC. It crucial that the groundswell comes from each local community. We can go and plant the seed, but you have the opportunity to water it and help it grow. The human story that successful O&P intervention creates is truly amazing. Unfortunately, no one outside of our small community knows it. We go to DC and talk to national representatives, but they all live in our local communities. As a constituent, and regardless of your and their political affiliation, you have the opportunity to drive home the impact you have on the voters in their communities. This is a non-partisan issue that is one of the easiest things to get cross-aisle agreement on, once they understand the issue.
Find a day when your federal representatives are in town and hold a “media day” at your office. Invite your local news, the national, state and local politicians and some patients who can tell their stories well. Make sure the politicians know that the news will be there…they love cameras and “feel good” moments. Emphasize the clinical nature of the care you provide. Don’t ask for anything. Just inform. Create a relationship and let them know that you can be their constituent expert on the O&P space. And don’t forget about the staffers! Often the politicians’ staff have tremendous influence over what gets advanced. The key is to create relationships and provide factual information that they can rely on.
You and only you, can start that movement in your hometown. By doing this, you will raise awareness in your local community about your business, you will help with patient advocacy in your community and your state, and finally, you can help increase awareness of issues of national significance. Reach out to the Amputee Coalition, NAAOP and/ or AOPA for tips and resources that can help you hold your first annual open house!