Abstract Body

Background

Family Medicine is the cornerstone of Primary Health Care. As family physicians we have a unique opportunity to deal with health issues including all aspects of the biological, psychological and social. Following on from the Astana declaration, we have both the right and the responsibility to advocate for our patients and communities.

During this live workshop we hope to build on the work started in 2020 and a workshop hopefully to be run during the 2021 VdGM Pre-Conference.

Aim and learning objectives

The previous workshops focussed on understanding what advocacy is, some tips on how to be a better advocate and developing our understanding of what health advocacy can look like through examples and opportunities we see in our work as family doctors. In this workshop the aim is to develop this, thinking more strategically on how our advocacy can yield better results for our communities.

Methods and timetable

The workshop will start from a theoretical basis, building from there with real-world examples; tips on successful advocacy including where possible proven effective advocacy programmes. We will then shift our focus to critically appraising past advocacy programmes, new ideas and opportunities, creating more effective ways to take these advocacy projects forward.

(Proposed) results/conclusions

Developing our understanding of our role as health advocates, through the sharing of examples and ideas.

This will form a series of workshops and other interventions aimed at improving our work as health advocates as well as building up a network of effective health advocates.

Abstract Body

As part of the WONCA Europe Open Session, Nick will speak about how VdGM has adapted and grown through the COVID pandemic.