How to spur Congress to act: 7 essential elements of storytelling

The struggle with electronic health records (EHR) is real, and Congress needs to hear from physicians.  But how can you make your story compelling? How can you pen a tale that cuts to the heart of the matter and inspires your members of Congress to take action? These seven elements of storytelling—recommended by an expert on engaging members of Congress—will help you craft the most potent version of your story. In an AMA Very Influential Physicians (VIP) webinar last week, Brad Fitch, president and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation, delivered expert advice on how physicians can compose and position their personal EHR stories in an effort to persuade Congress to take action against meaningful use Stage 3 and further progression of the program’s troublesome regulations. Why is storytelling important for this cause? Storytelling is a key part of the psychology of persuasion. We feel, and then we decide. In order for Congress to understand the detrimental effect meaningful use regulations have on daily practice, physicians need to deliver a perspective that will show the impact on their lives and the lives of their patients. Members of Congress deal with a lot of data, spreadsheets and graphs every day, Fitch said. This type of information is being delivered to them all the time. But only physicians can communicate the personal stories from the front lines and drive them to act. The 7 elements of storytelling Your story should be brief. One page, s...
Source: AMA Wire - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Source Type: news