As healthcare evolves, patient storytelling is increasingly being seen as a valuable way to not only involve patients but also bring about meaningful change in the medical system.
The problem is too many patients are not clear on how to tell their story in a way that will resonate with their audience, whether it be physicians, administrators or other patients.
My personal journey of going from patient to patient advocate began when I was put on home and hospital based bed rest for my two high-risk pregnancies. As I spent weeks lying in a hospital bed while pregnant with my son, I saw simple ways doctors and nurses could improve the physical and mental care of us moms on the antenatal (high risk) unit. Never one to be quiet, I found ways to advocate for change from my hospital bed, and continuing advocating after my son was born, by volunteering to sit as a patient voice on a hospital committee focused on maternal health.
Through my patient advocacy journey, first by writing a book, Bed Rest Mom, and then by being my son’s voice in the medical system, I’ve met many other parents and patients who struggle to find their voice.
In wanting to help these patients be heard, I have developed some simple tips to help people get clear on their story before they share it with the medical system.
