Who is affected? What are the consequences if the problem is not solved?
What are the facts? What are the options? Why does the problem exist?
Ensure you explain why you have a problem and why it is important to you that it be resolved.
Clearly state your goals.
What is the desired outcome? What are the benefits to you, to the person you are speaking with, and to the healthcare system?
Is this an individual problem (affects only one or a few people)? Can the problem be solved for this individual within the current system?
Or, is this a problem that affects many people? Does the system need to change before the individual can get what he or she needs?
Develop a plan that looks at removing barriers and creating opportunities.
What are the barriers to solving this problem and giving individuals what they need? Is the barrier lack of knowledge or lack of willingness? Are there safety concerns, or a lack of knowledge about long-term risks and benefits? Are some choices much more expensive than others?
What is the preferred option from the point of view of the patient? Why? How much importance does the patient put upon this choice?
What is the preferred option from the point of view of the healthcare provider? Of the healthcare funder? Do the added benefits justify the (additional) costs?
Identify the resources required to implement the strategy. You may need to attract more resources (spokespeople, support, and physical/financial resources).
Aim for win-win solution (desirable outcomes with benefits for all, including society)
Determine the most effective way to draw attention to the problem, such as:
Tell your individual story (personal impact). Appeal to people’s sense of fairness or compassion. Demonstrate the long-term benefits of resolving the problem.
Get the support of others (patients, experts, other advocates).
Write letters to your MLA/MPP/MNA and Minister of Health requesting their support or a meeting. Find out when they are in their riding offices. Riding offices are often the best places to meet with them.
Organize additional support. Set up a letter-writing campaign and engage others to write on behalf of the issue. Contact the media and present your story. Be prepared to provide a personal interview, if necessary.