Hello everyone,
Welcome back to another edition of Negotiation Matters!
This month, we celebrate a massive win for healthcare policy as we commemorate Pride. The FDA’s revised approach to blood donations officially ended the restrictions that prohibited many blood donations by gay and bisexual men. In a news release, the federal agency said it would recommend a series of “individual risk-based questions” that will be the same for every blood donor, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, or sex. This announcement is a big deal for the LGBTQ+ community, representing persistent efforts that enabled this progressive leap. Anyone who cares about fair and safe blood donation will likely have a greater appreciation for this revision in blood donation policies.
How did this happen? What can we take away from this recent event? It likely took strong negotiation skills amidst other efforts, and today, let’s learn from this example. I’d like to share three tips that you can use in your healthcare policy negotiations.
Building a Diverse Coalition: The power of diversity is demonstrated through the wide range of voices included in the FDA’s policy change. You can’t do it alone, so you need to build a strong team of allies who can support you and amplify your voice. For the FDA policy change, advocacy groups, medical professionals, government officials, and the LGBTQ+ Blood Equality Coalition—a group aiming to end the blood donation ban on MSM and women who have sex with MSM—all played a crucial role. Leveraging their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they all aimed for a shared goal: a fair and safe blood donation system.
For Healthcare Professionals: Proactively building such a diverse coalition brings multiple perspectives to the dialogue, fostering shared responsibility and enriching the negotiation process. Seek partners with different viewpoints and advocate collectively for a shared goal. Assemble a diverse group of stakeholders and enlist their active participation. This inclusivity fosters a sense of shared responsibility and brings a broad array of expertise and resources to the table.
Evidence-based Policy: Proposals Another critical factor in the FDA’s policy change was using data and evidence to support the arguments. The FDA based its decision on “the most recent available scientific evidence” and “consulted with external experts.” The agency also cited studies that showed that individual risk-based questions were more effective than categorical deferrals in identifying donors with HIV risk behaviors. The data and evidence helped to persuade the decision-makers and to counter any potential objections or biases.
For Healthcare Professionals: Data and evidence are essential to make your case and demonstrate credibility. Research the facts and figures that support your position and present them clearly and confidently. Use credible sources and cite them appropriately. Anticipate any counterarguments or questions and prepare your responses with data and evidence. Data-driven policy proposals can help you overcome resistance and build trust with your counterparts.
Effective Communication: The third tip for successful healthcare policy negotiations is communicating effectively with your counterparts. The FDA’s policy change was announced clearly and concisely, highlighting the benefits and rationale of the decision. The agency also acknowledged the feedback and input from various stakeholders and expressed its commitment to continue monitoring the situation. The communication was respectful, transparent, and informative.
For Healthcare Professionals: Effective communication is vital to convey your message and build rapport with your counterparts. Use clear and simple language that avoids jargon or technical terms. Emphasize the benefits and value of your proposal for both parties. Listen actively and respectfully to your counterparts’ concerns and questions. Demonstrate appreciation for their cooperation and feedback. Effective communication can help you create a positive atmosphere and foster mutual understanding.
The FDA’s new approach to blood donations is an excellent example of how healthcare policy negotiations can lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved. Building a diverse coalition, leaning on data and evidence, and effective communication are three simple yet effective tools that can increase your chances of success in healthcare policy negotiations.
Remember, negotiation matters!
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Happy Negotiating!
SBL