When we began planning the 2nd Annual ICOPA Conference in December 2019 we were excited and energized after a successful inaugural event. Then COVID 19 hit and we were forced to cancel plans for the onsite event that was scheduled to be held October 22-24, 2020 in Chicago.
The planners, not wanting to lose momentum, came up with an alternative plan, to showcase advocates around the world. Those international advocates who had expressed interest in attending the 2020 event were invited to participate, and asked to provide a 5-7 minute video to highlight their advocacy work in their countries.
These videos show who advocates are, what they do and the value they bring to patients.
What comes across in each video is that patient/health advocacy is recognized as a way to ensure people have a voice and assistance as they navigate their complex healthcare systems regardless of where they live. The voices of advocates are unified no matter where we live!
As you will see in each video, advocacy is a growing practice around the world. It makes sense as illness and injury impact people the same regardless of where they live. We have the same challenges in helping the public to be aware of services advocates provide and how it will help to improve the experience people have when they enter the healthcare system.
We hope you find the videos interesting and impactful. Feel free to leave comments, ask questions and network with each other! Also, we hope you will share the link in your countries and communities so we share the important work that is being done in the name of patient/health advocacy.
Thank you to those who participated in this project, and to YOU for visiting the site and watching the videos. We hope to see you when we meet in Chicago in Spring 2022.
Dorothy Kamaker
Dr. Rachel Cameron
Connie Jorsvik
Ayman Binnasser
Dr. Stephan DeBuren
Sandy Thigpen
Oana Gharbi
Mohankumari Gemawat
