Help consumer advocates maintain their energy and dedication to Alliance activities with these tips.
Educate. Provide resources to help advocates stay abreast of health care quality issues. AF4Q’s website houses fact sheets, presentations, and guides on quality issues. “A Guide to Building Consumer Orientation Materials” will help you compile background information.
Provide One-on-One Support. When possible, offer individual assistance before meetings to ensure advocates are knowledgeable about the issues and are planning how they will present their perspective. Let them know which staff they can contact for information or assistance. Check in regularly to gauge their level of engagement, and learn how to support them more effectively.
Bolster the Advocate’s Position. Ensure that advocates are seen as equal partners by highlighting what they bring to the table. Build time into meeting agendas for their viewpoint.
Be Inclusive. Avoid jargon and explain all acronyms. Ensure proportionate numbers of consumers in your Alliance, and develop a transparent decision-making process. Provide leadership opportunities in work groups, committees, or projects.
Update. Keep advocates updated on discussions among the Alliance Leadership Team, the National Program Office, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation about initiatives, objectives, etc. Look for opportunities for advocates to contribute to those discussions.
Link Advocates With Each Other. Encourage advocates to network with their peers in other Alliances. One opportunity is through the AF4Q Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium (CELC). .
Contribute Financial Assistance. Some Alliances like the one in Maine dedicate funding to consumer advocate organizations to help cover time and expenses.
What are some ways consumers can help improve health care?
Leadership positions and health care activism are a good start
What frameworks can I use to engage and activate consumers?
AF4Q Alliances have several examples
How do consumers define fair benefit and network designs?
Freedom of choice is one important factor.
What are the elements of a successful homepage on public reporting websites?
Be visual and succinct.
What are the benefits of personal health records?
They can help consumers and providers.
What is the Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium?
An integral part of AF4Q's work.
- Why do consumers need to know how much things cost?
- How do we help employers maintain their interest and energy in our partnership?
- What role do employers play in improving care quality?
- What frameworks can I use to engage and activate consumers?
- What are the benefits of personal health records?
- What is the Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium?
- Where should I incorporate consumers into my practice or hospital?
- How do you explain the idea of “high-quality health care"?
- How do I clarify my role as a consumer within my organization or Alliance?
- How do I become a better consumer leader?