Journal Advocacy And The Health Professional
Journal Advocacy And The Health Professional
Explain what global health is and how it relates to population health. In relation to the patient or client, what is your role as a healthcare professional? What do you know and understand about advocacy? What opportunities for advocacy do you see in your current or future career as a public health professional? What questions do you have about the role of advocacy in your career?
Paper For Above instruction
Global health is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on health issues that transcend national boundaries and require international cooperation to address effectively. It emphasizes the importance of improving health equity by tackling health disparities worldwide, often through collaborative efforts across countries and organizations. In relation to population health, global health initiatives aim to enhance health outcomes broadly at a population level, addressing issues such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, environmental health risks, and access to healthcare services. Population health refers to the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of those outcomes within the group, and is influenced by a wide array of social, economic, and environmental factors. The relationship between global health and population health is evident as global health strategies seek to improve the overall health and well-being of populations worldwide, reducing health inequities and promoting sustainable health practices.
As healthcare professionals, our role in relation to patients or clients extends beyond the direct delivery of medical services; it encompasses advocacy to ensure equitable access to healthcare resources and promote health literacy. This means empowering patients with information, advocating for policies that benefit vulnerable populations, and working to eliminate barriers such as socioeconomic disparities and healthcare inequities. Healthcare providers serve as liaisons between patients and the broader health systems, ensuring that individual needs are addressed within the context of community and societal influences. By playing an active role in advocacy, health professionals can influence policy changes, contribute to community health initiatives, and foster environments that support healthy behaviors and equitable healthcare access.
Understanding advocacy is essential for health professionals. Advocacy involves actively supporting or recommending policies, practices, or changes that promote health equity and improve health outcomes. It encompasses activities such as community engagement, policy development, and education to influence decision-makers and raise awareness about health issues. In my (current or future) career as a public health professional, advocacy presents numerous opportunities. These include participating in policy discussions, designing community-based health promotion programs, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social determinants of health. For example, advocating for better access to preventative services or healthier environments can significantly impact population health. Opportunities also exist to leverage social media and technology platforms to raise awareness and mobilize community support for health initiatives.
However, I also have questions regarding the extent of influence health professionals have in policy-making, how best to balance clinical responsibilities with advocacy efforts, and strategies for effectively engaging diverse communities in advocacy activities. Clarification on how to navigate resistance from stakeholders or policymakers and methods to sustain advocacy initiatives amidst changing political landscapes are areas I seek to understand better. Moreover, I am interested in exploring how education and training can further prepare health professionals to incorporate advocacy into their regular practice, ultimately enhancing their contribution to health equity and social justice.
References
- Kickbusch, I., & Buckett, K. (2019). The Future of Global Health. Routledge.
- Thompson, L. A., & Ensor, T. (2017). The Role of Health Professionals in Advocacy and Policy Change. Journal of Public Health Policy, 38(3), 252–262.