Why Consumer Advocates?
AHRQ has specified that Community Quality Collaboratives include consumer advocates because these representatives can play an important role in the success of your initiatives. One basic reason is that your Community Quality Collaborative will have greater influence if all stakeholders are on the same page and working together. If consumer advocates are not included, there is a chance that, despite the best intentions, the Community Quality Collaborative may develop and implement a strategy that is contrary to the goals and interests of consumers, thus not effecting change in the community it is meant to help. Having representatives of consumers at the table early in the process is important to ensure that your Community Quality Collaboratives efforts to increase transparency and improve health care quality are relevant to the patients whose health and lives are at stake. Consumer advocates have much to offer your Community Quality Collaborative: • The ability to voice the needs and wa
