Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, and strain upon the start: enfranchising the medical profession for clinically proximate advocacy of improved healthcare

Jeffrey C.L. Looi, Stephen Allison, Stephen R. Kisely, Tarun Bastiampillai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To discuss and reflect upon the role of medical practitioners, including psychiatrists, as health advocates on behalf of patients, carers and staff. Conclusions: Health advocacy is a key professional competency of medical practitioners, and is part of the RANZCP framework for training and continuing professional development. Since advocacy is often a team activity, there is much that is gained experientially from volunteering and working with other more experienced health advocates within structurally and financially independent (of health systems and governments) representative groups (RANZCP, AMA, unions). Doctors may begin with clinically proximate advocacy for improved healthcare in health systems, across the public and private sectors. Health advocacy requires skill and courage, but can ultimately influence systemic outcomes, sway policy decisions, and improve resource allocation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)672-675
Number of pages4
JournalAustralasian Psychiatry
Volume29
Issue number6
Early online date5 Jul 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2021

Keywords

  • Australia
  • healthcare advocacy
  • medical practitioner
  • policy
  • psychiatrist

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