Health Policy Engagement Strategy for the Health Information Technology Policy Project of the Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research

Abstract

Rulemaking is one of the most important ways the federal government makes public policy. It frequently has significant impact on individuals, communities, and organizations. Yet, few of those directly affected are familiar with the rulemaking process, and even fewer understand how it works. This article describes a case study of the Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research Health Information Technology (TCC HIT) Policy Project’s approach to health-policy engagement using: 1) social media; and 2) a webinar to educate stakeholders on the rulemaking process and increase their level of meaningful engagement with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) proposed rule public comment submission. The webinar “Paying for Quality: What Is the Impact on Health Equity” was promoted through Twitter and held in June 2016. In total, we posted 19 tweets using two distinct hashtags (#MACRA4Equity, #MACRA2Equity) to raise awareness of the upcoming MACRA proposed rule and its possible effects on health equity. Overall, 252 individuals registered for the webinar, and more than half participated (n=133). Most (67%) registrants reported that health policy was not the primary focus of their current position. Based on information provided in the webinar, 95% agreed that their understanding of the topic improved. By the end of the webinar, 44% of participants indicated that they planned to submit public comments for MACRA, a 12% increase compared with those who planned to submit at the time of registration. The TCC health-policy engagement strategy demonstrates the feasibility of engaging a diverse audience around health policy issues, particularly those who are not typically engaged in policy work. Ethn Dis. 2019;29(Suppl 2): 377-384. doi:10.18865/ed.29.S2.377

What Lessons Can Be Learned for the Agroecological Transition From the Use of Social Media in Preventive Medicine?

“…In Zellner et al (2019), participants provide their opinions concerning a piece of draft medical regulations presented by the public authorities during a webinar. Social media can help implement regulations and take into account the critical perspectives of field professionals.…”

Achieving Health Equity through Science, Policy, and Partnerships

“…The topics covered underscore the breadth and depth of health inequities across populations, including adults with developmental disabilities, [5][6] persons living with chronic illnesses, 6 racial/minority youth with mental health concerns, 7 and transgender medical patients. 8 The articles encourage readers to consider the multilevel changes required to achieve the desired goal of optimal health for all, such as cultural competence training for health care providers, 9 health policy training, [10][11] the use of consumer health informatics applications for disease self care, 12 stakeholder education 13 and organizational engagement. 14 In addition to research dissemination, this supplement is designed to serve as: 1) a resource to researchers seeking to advance the science of health equity; 2) an educational resource for those working in community-based and/ or grassroots settings; and 3) a transdisciplinary document demonstrating the importance of keeping the policy implications of health research in the foreground, from project conceptualization through the interpretation and dissemination of findings.…”