Engaging policymakers to advocate for thrombosis care and prevention: Tips for World Thrombosis Day partners

Consider these tips on how to collaborate with policymakers to advocate for thrombosis legislation in your country or region.

Engaging with public policy leaders is crucial for World Thrombosis Day partners and advocates to drive meaningful change in thrombosis-related policies and legislation. The first step is to acknowledge the issue by recognizing the needs in access to thrombosis care and legislation to improve thrombosis treatment, care and prevention across the world.

Highlighting the urgency of thrombosis as a serious health condition is an important strategy. By presenting compelling data and personal stories, advocates can paint a vivid picture of the human toll caused by the condition. This approach helps to personalize the issue, making it more relatable and pressing for policymakers who can then see the immediate need for intervention.

A strong call to action can galvanize citizens to join the World Thrombosis Day campaign in urging political leaders to take action. For example, partners can educate policymakers about implementing a VTE risk assessment policy in their health system. A venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment scores a patient’s risk for getting a blood clot, particularly upon entering the hospital.

To prevent hospital-associated VTE and related morbidity, every hospital worldwide should establish and enforce a VTE protocol. Protocols may vary by institution and country, but should include a VTE risk assessment that is tied to proper prevention and treatment guidelines.

While some countries have established mandated protocols, the majority have not. That is why the campaign urges hospitals, healthcare systems, policymakers and hospital quality review organizations around the world to make VTE protocol and prevention a priority patient safety issue.

By spreading the call to action widely and encouraging others to sign it, advocates can amplify their message and mobilize collective action. This collective voice can create a powerful force for change and influence policymakers.

Here are three tips to get started with contacting policymakers in your country or region:

• Identify the right contacts: Research and identify the policymakers who are responsible for healthcare policy in your region. This may include local government officials, health ministers, and members of parliament. Compile a list of their contact information and preferred communication methods.
• Prepare a clear and concise message: Draft a compelling message that includes key points about the World Thrombosis Day campaign and thrombosis as a health condition. Include the specific policy changes you are advocating for. Use personal stories and data to make your case more persuasive. Ensure your message is clear, concise and respectful.
• Leverage multiple communication channels: Use a combination of emails, phone calls, social media and in-person meetings to reach out to policymakers. Engaging through multiple channels increases the chances of your message being heard. Additionally, consider organizing community events to demonstrate public support for your cause, which can help to amplify your voice and show policymakers the broad base of support for thrombosis-related policies.

By following these steps and actively engaging with policymakers, World Thrombosis Day partners and advocates can drive policy change to help save lives.