Centering marginalized voices in advocacy for equitable policy change in kidney disease

Abstract

Purpose of review Inequities in kidney disease are a result of differences in healthcare access and inequitable structural policies that lead to downstream social challenges. An individual with kidney disease sits at the intersection of a variety of governmental and institutional policies that directly affect their access to kidney healthcare and different care delivery models. However, their voice in policy change is often neglected by stakeholders with more structural power. Marginalized individuals with kidney disease are disproportionately affected by kidney disease and inequitable policies can further these health disparities. The review aims to describe how marginalized individuals can be centered in research and lead in advocacy efforts to promote equitable policy change. Recent findings The marginalized patient voice is critical in advocacy to promote equitable policy change. We discuss examples illustrating research and advocacy methods which center and partner with marginalized communities to catalyze effective policy interventions. Summary Centralizing the patient voice when engaging in advocacy can identify and contextualize the effects of inequitable public policy and improve advocacy efforts.