Science has taught us that optimal care is based on evidence-informed practices. We also know that successful care plans need to be tailored for individuals in the context of their family and community.
Advocacy also requires a similar structure to be successful: It must be evidence-based and individualized.
To advance child health and the profession of pediatrics, it will take each one of us working collaboratively. At times, the national Academy should be the messenger, championing children as the representative of 67,000 pediatricians, pediatric medical specialists and pediatric surgical specialists. In some cases, messages are delivered most effectively by a groundswell of individual pediatricians speaking bravely and boldly about what matters most to them.
Pediatricians across the country are making incredible advances for families and their colleagues at the community and regional levels with limited resources. Conversations are personal, nuanced and often most effective when done in partnership with patients, families and other child advocates. Coalition-building is powerful when community partners have common goals.
For example, teachers (in partnership with pediatric practices) successfully lobbied their school district’s human resources department to pay adequately for mental health screenings for students in the pediatric office. The decision-maker was the school district as the purchaser of a health plan administered by a third party.
In another case, pediatricians brought together payment and quality leaders in a Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) to help them understand the consequences of not paying adequately for lead screening in the pediatric office. Inadequate payment led to low Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) lead screening rates. In addition, costs were driven up because the quality division was paying home health workers to go to patient homes and obtain blood samples for lead testing. Pediatricians made the case for improved care, improved HEDIS measures and cost savings for the MCO.
When we walk into rooms with decision-makers who have different priorities, we must stay true to our mission and values, while crafting a message that will be thoughtfully considered by our audience.
Pediatricians are masters of the art of communication. We translate complex medical science into understandable information for young children, adolescents and families. We write and speak differently to colleagues, teachers and payers. We pair storytelling with facts and data.
Pediatricians also are masters at asking questions and listening. We make more accurate diagnoses when we listen to both what is said and not said in the exam room. We have learned to ask open-ended questions. Families feel seen, heard and valued when we give them the opportunity to tell their whole stories. When families are frightened and vulnerable, if we are present, show compassion and support them in their journey, we validate our own professional purpose. Advocacy communication also is about listening and showing compassion.
Together, we can and will make the world a better place for children. We will have the most impact if we consider our audience, craft the right message and select the right voice to champion our efforts.
Where are you best-suited to speak up for children?
