Authors: Nancy Hanxi Xu and Gabrielle Gimenes Lima (FEBRAF, Brazil)
@NancyXu
Advocacy is to support, recommend or install a change in a policy, cause, idea, or outcome. There is a parallel between advocacy and patient-centered care, as pharmacists take responsibility for patient outcomes. Thus, advocacy is an essential competence for the future of students or pharmaceutical professionals. References to advocacy in the literature of health professionals include legislative, political, clinical, patient-centered, administrative, educational, social, and economic advocacy.1,2
Legislative advocacy is fundamental to the future of pharmacy, because, in order for us to play an integral role in improving population health, we must be instruments in guiding and formulating public health policies. Besides, legislative defense is also critical to the expansion of services provided by pharmacists and the creation of new practice opportunities for the influx of highly qualified pharmacy graduates into the job market. 1
Thus, we need to defend our role as health care providers who maximize the safe and effective use of medicines and improve the overall quality of care and health outcomes. Awareness of the importance of patient advocacy and the development of skills to serve as a patient advocate should be part of student programs. We are accessible and positioned to defend patients throughout the care process.1,2
Developing leadership and advocacy skills has never been more important for pharmacists than it is today. As AACP, ACPE, other professional organizations and the pharmacist profession as a whole continue to encourage current and future pharmacists to engage in advocacy activities, we must come together to better define the required competencies. Finally, advocacy-related competencies will need to be incorporated where appropriate to ensure that all future pharmacists have relevant advocacy training.2
References
[1] Leigh Ann Ross, Kristin K. Janke, Cynthia J. Boyle, Gerald Gianutsos, Cameron C. Lindsey, Leticia R. Moczygemba, Karen Whalen. Preparation of Faculty Members and Students to Be Citizen Leaders and Pharmacy Advocates. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education Dec 2013, 77 (10) 220; DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7710220
[2] Andrew S. Bzowyckyj, Kristin K. Janke. A Consensus Definition and Core Competencies for Being an Advocate for Pharmacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education Mar 2013, 77 (2) 24; DOI: 10.5688/ajpe77224
