Engaging in advocacy during medical training: assessing the impact of a virtual COVID-19-focused state advocacy day. Issue 1159 (13th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Zizi; Moustafa, Danna; Kwak, Ruby; O'Connor, Daniel M; Cavanaugh-Hussey, Margaret W; Huang, Jennifer T; LaChance, Avery H
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 98:Issue 1159(2022)
• Page Start: 365
• Page End: 368
• Publication Date: 2021-01-13
• Subjects: telemedicine -- COVID-19 -- dermatology -- health policy -- medical education & training; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139362
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The physician voice is crucial to shaping health policy and public health guidelines, particularly during COVID-19. However, there are gaps in health policy and advocacy education within graduate medical education. This study sought to characterise the impact of a virtual COVID-19 focused advocacy day among medical trainees in Massachusetts. Study design: The half-day event featured speakers drawn from government relations experts, physician advocates, and state and federal legislators as well as breakout discussions among attendees. A 25-question Redcap survey and list of resources/opportunities for continued advocacy was administered to all participants at event's conclusion on 19 May 2020. Results: There were 60 responses from 141 participants (43% response rate). One-third reported no prior formal health policy instruction, and over half reported getting information from news publications, social media and peers. 58% believed physician involvement in advocacy to be 'extremely important' prior to COVID-19; 83% believed the same after onset of COVID-19 (p<0.0001). The most common barriers to advocacy engagement were lack of time and knowledge. Most attendees felt participation increased their knowledge and likelihood to engage in the COVID-19 response, imparted useful skills/knowledge for continued advocacy, increased their interest in future similar events, and that such events should be available to all trainees. Conclusions: Trainees recognise the importance of health policy and advocacy and value opportunities to gain the necessary skills/knowledge to effect tangible change. Virtual advocacy days can be replicated nationwide to help trainees learn about advocacy efforts and find their legislative voices during COVID-19 and beyond.