New ACP paper advises on how to be effective advocates through collective action
The paper discusses the growing frustration among patients and physicians regarding the U.S. health care system and explores collective action as a means of rectifying the health care environment.
In a new position paper, “Empowering Physicians Through Collective Action,” ACP recommends ways for physicians to be efficient advocates for their patients and their profession through collective action. The paper discusses the growing frustration among patients and physicians regarding the U.S. health care system and explores collective action as a means of rectifying the health care environment. ACP emphasizes that the primary goal of collective empowerment actions by physicians should be to guarantee that patients have access to safe, affordable, and quality care. This paper was published April 29 by Annals of Internal Medicine.
ACP also states that physicians must be included in executive positions and on the boards of hospitals and health systems and have real collaborations with health system leaders.
Additionally, ACP supports the rights of physicians to engage in joint activities to raise concerns about health and safety, working conditions, and other matters without backlash from their employer. ACP also supports the right of physicians to engage in responsible collective bargaining, including joining a union or bargaining unit. Finally, ACP supports the right of independent practicing physicians to negotiate with health insurance plans regarding the quality of patient care.