Health Care Advocacy Research Articles

Australian dental school academics' perceptions of gerodontology education in the undergraduate curriculum.

Australia's rapidly growing population of dentate, frail, care-dependent older people require graduates skilled in managing the health needs of this patient group. The perceptions of academics teaching gerodontology may inform future dental curricula recommendations. This study explored the perceptions of gerodontology education amongst Australian dental school academics. All nine Australian dental schools providing entry-to-practice dentistry programs were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Academics from six dentistry programs took part, and the data were analysed using a thematic approach. The three main themes identified from interviews included 'clinical exposure', 'organisational levers', and 'sociological barriers'. The attitudes of students, as well as society and health professionals, were seen as strongly influential in preparing the workforce for managing the oral health of older people. The themes inter-linked with a knock-on effect where societal attitudes and organisational levers impact on the ability to successfully support students' preparation for gerodontology practice. Limited resources were barriers to achieving ideal learning and teaching and continued upon graduation as oral health care for older people was perceived as undervalued and under-resourced. There has been a continued cycle of failure in healthcare schemes and advocacy for the improvement of oral health for older people which has contributed to the inadequate preparation of dental graduates for managing frail and care-dependent older people. Organisational, societal, and political change is needed to support the education of dental students in this area to ensure graduate dentists are competent to manage the oral care needs of this growing population.

'It depends on who is asking and why they will use it': Access to male condoms in Timor-Leste.

The uptake of male condoms remains markedly low in The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste), an island nation in South-East Asia. To understand why, we conducted participatory and operational research about beliefs, understanding and access to male condoms from both a community and healthcare provider perspective. We held 14 participatory group discussions (PGDs) with 175 community participants (84 men, 91 women; aged 18-72) across seven municipalities (Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Dili, Lautem, Manufahi, and Oecusse) in 2019. We held individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 24 healthcare providers working in the same community catchment areas as the PGDs. Two counsellors, four doctors, fifteen midwives, and three nurses participated (16 women, 8 men; aged 25-56 years). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. PGD and IDI participant awareness, understanding and beliefs about male condoms were diverse. Male condoms were often discussed as something negative and taboo, and as something that is highly regulated and discouraged within society and the health system. However, many PGD and IDI participants also challenged this narrative by providing a more rights-based perspective about universal access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, including male condoms. Insights from our research have been used to inform programmatic decision-making in Timor-Leste, including health promotion and service delivery initiatives. Our findings can be further used to inform national health policy, healthcare provider training, and advocacy and communication work.

EGFR Mutations Are Not All the Same: the Importance of Biomarker Testing in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)-A Podcast Discussion Between Patients and Oncologists.

This podcast, for healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients, and patient advocates, is a discussion among a panel of two patients (and co-founders of the patient advocacy group EGFR Resisters, https://egfrcancer.org/ ) and two oncologists. The objective of the podcast is to explain the importance of biomarker testing for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment landscape for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer is evolving, and biomarker testing has become central to determining the best therapies for individual patients. The panel discusses what biomarkers are, the processes involved in obtaining biomarker testing, how biomarker information is used, and the importance of waiting for biomarker results prior to determining treatment. The panel also discusses patient perspectives on biopsy and biomarker testing and how HCPs can best help guide new patients through this process.

Art and activism in medical education: a modern necessity

Artivism is the use of visual art to promote activism and foster meaningful action and change. This commentary argues that artivism should be embraced and utilised more consistently in medical education and healthcare advocacy related efforts. A brief history of artivism, rationale for use, and one approach for implementation based on the author’s experience is shared.

Editor’s Welcome

Tēnā koutou katoa and welcome to Issue 36 of Te Hautaka o ngā Akongā Rongoā, the New Zealand Medical Student Journal (NZMSJ). The theme of this issue is “Advocacy in Health,” which is crucial in the betterment of the healthcare system for both patients and health professionals. It is our privilege to share with our readers a wide range of insightful and high-quality articles by health care professional students, clinicians, and academics from Aotearoa. Advocacy plays a core role in the realm of healthcare, serving as a powerful catalyst for positive change and improved outcomes on both individual and systemic levels. Healthcare advocacy for the individual involves standing up for the rights, needs, and well-being of patients, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. On a broader scale, advocacy in healthcare contributes to the refinement of healthcare policies, regulations, and services. As providers working on the front lines, health professionals often better identify areas of necessary improvement than policy-makers. Advocacy campaigns and initiatives can shed light on systemic issues, drive policy changes, and influence healthcare regulations that ultimately shape the healthcare experience for everyone. We believe that by holding stakeholders accountable and pushing for transparency, advocacy serves as a counterbalance to potential shortcomings in the healthcare sector. Overall, the significance of ad- vocacy in healthcare extends beyond individual cases, contributing to a more inclusive, patient-centric, and effective healthcare system for entire communities and populations.

A Scoping Review of Physician Advocacy on Twitter.

Twitter has been adopted by physicians across most medical specialties; it allows for the wide dissemination of information and calls to action, brings new stakeholders into collations, promotes academic engagement, and fosters collaboration between academia and private practice. In this review of the literature, we briefly outline the state of advocacy in health care and summarize current Twitter-based advocacy efforts in the major specialties of health care, identifying both successful strategies as well as gaps in Twitter advocacy research. Relevant articles were obtained via PubMed and Google Scholar searches using the phrases "Twitter advocacy healthcare," "[specialty name] Twitter" and "[specialty name] Twitter advocacy." Several overarching themes were found to be widely utilized in specialty-specific discussions of Twitter advocacy efforts: organizing under a specific hashtag, fostering dialogue between stakeholders, and tweeting using personalized, action-oriented language. Fields such as pediatrics, heme/onc, ENT, and ophthalmology have most thoroughly embraced the desire to learn how to most effectively advocate on Twitter. Other fields such as OBGYN, cardiology, and surgery have less academic focus on online advocacy. Outside of advocacy efforts, the research and academic benefits of Twitter are well described in nearly every specialty. In conclusion, while clinicians are encouraged to advocate online, only broad strategies for online engagement are currently offered. Additional research into the details of how to successfully create an online profile and Twitter presence is needed to ensure all physicians are able to maximize their advocacy efforts, with clarification of the goals and objectives of this engagement also required.

116-LB: iCoDE Project Final Recommendations for CGM-EHR Integration

Background: he Integration of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data into the Electronic Health Record (iCoDE) Project is a consortium whose purpose is to facilitate efficient integration of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) through standards and best practices. Methods: A Planning Committee, Steering Committee, and six Working Groups (Data Standards; Account Linkage; Integration and Interoperability; Analytics and Visualizations; Clinical Workflows; and Partnerships and Business Models) were organized to tackle different technical, clinical, and operational aspects of CGM-EHR integration. Participants were recruited from industry, academia, healthcare, government agencies, and patient advocacy groups. Groups met regularly and got feedback from the Steering Committee. Each Working Group created a final summary of their group's thoughts, research, and recommendations. The iCoDE Co-Chairs then synthesized the six summaries into a final report, and derived formal Recommendation Statements (RS). These RS were then sent to the iCoDE Steering Committee for feedback and revisions. The feedback was incorporated, and a ballot was sent to all voting members. Results:130 individuals from more than 60 organizations participated in iCoDE over the course of 11 months. 54 RS were developed (7 Introductory RS, 27 Technical Standards RS, 20 Clinical Implementation RS). 93.8% of eligible steering committee members submitted their ballots. After the first round of voting, 13 statements underwent minor revisions and 2 underwent major revisions. A revised and final ballot was prepared and sent out to the Steering Committee. All 54 RS were adopted as Strong Recommendations (defined as >80% approval); average approval rate was 98%, range 91%-100%. Conclusion: The 2022 iCoDE Report and Recommendations provide comprehensive yet practical standards-based guidance for manufacturers and healthcare organizations interested in CGM-EHR integration. Disclosure J. C. Espinoza: Consultant; Sanofi, Research Support; NIH - National Institutes of Health, FDA, Speaker's Bureau; Glooko, Inc. A. Yeung: None. C. Huang: None. D. C. Klonoff: Consultant; EOFlow Co., Ltd., Fractyl Health, Inc., Integrity, Lifecare, Inc., Rockley Photonics, Thirdwayv Inc. Funding U.S. Food and Drug Administration (P50FD006425 to J.C.E.)

Establishing an International Interdisciplinary Research Network in Craniofacial Microsomia: The CARE Program.

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a broad clinical term used to describe a congenital condition most commonly involving the underdevelopment of the external ear, mandible, soft tissues, and facial nerve. Despite medical advances, understanding of the psychological health and healthcare experiences of individuals with CFM and their caregivers remains limited. This article describes a research program designed to address these knowledge gaps, and identify opportunities for psychosocial intervention and improved healthcare provision. The Craniofacial microsomia: Accelerating Research and Education (CARE) research program aims to: 1) Conduct up to 160 narrative interviews with individuals and caregivers to validate a conceptual framework; 2) Administer an online international survey of up to 800 individuals with CFM and caregivers to identify predictors of psychological distress; 3) Perform up to 60 semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers and advocacy leaders to examine the extent to which current healthcare provisions address identified patient needs; and 4) Establish a participant registry to build a longitudinal database and develop an international community. Teams in the USA and UK have been established, alongside an international, interdisciplinary Advisory Committee. Data analysis for Aim 1 is ongoing and informing the delivery of Aims 2-3. Aim 4 is also in development. A dedicated website serves as a recruitment tool, educational resource, and mechanism for engaging with the CFM community. The CARE program provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the experiences of individuals with CFM and their caregivers. Challenges encountered and lessons learned are shared for the benefit of the community.

Family-centered pediatric psychosocial care in Qatar

Pediatric psychosocial care approaches are used to advocate for family and child strength and durability in health scenarios and to improve the overall well-being of children impacted by severe medical situations. This article focuses on family-focused care in pediatric psychosocial services in Qatar. Using secondary sources, this desk review advocates for a family-centered care approach to support hospitalized children, their families, and the healthcare provision team in pediatric psychosocial care. It argues that if improvements are made to four main areas including education and training, healthcare environment, financial support and advocacy, and future research and audits, Qatar’s pediatric psychosocial care program would more effectively cater to evidence-based child and family-friendly approaches. This article concludes by providing policy recommendations for Qatar’s pediatric psychosocial care provision.

Maternal Health Care Advocacy: The Michigan Society of Hematology and Oncology (MSHO) and the Michigan Criminal Abortion Ban

By Jerome D. Winegarden, Mary Kay Makarewicz. The Supreme Court of the United States’ decision reversed 50 years of federal protection for abortion care and triggered a law criminalizing abortion care services

244 “I am interested!”: Lessons Learned from the All IN for Health/Indiana CTSI Health Advisory Board

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: All IN for Health’s Advisory Board is an active board providing advice on strategic directions, feedback, contributing ideas, and accountability. Most recently, the HAB had 4 openings. A call to our community of over 13,000 individuals was published. We received 488 applications. We share the lessons in motivations and interests shared respondents. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Four hundred eighty-eight individuals submitted applications for participation in the All IN for Health Advisory Board. The call went out to the All IN for Health volunteer research network comprised of community members across the state.The call mentioned a nominal compensation of $50/hour, and time commitment of a 2-hour board meetings via video conferencing every 3 months. The application process included the following questions: 1. What lived experiences and/or personal interests have motivated you to be involved in All IN for Health? 2. Please explain why you are interested in being an All IN for Health Advisory Board member? RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We organize the findings in two categories: Motivation and Interests. The motivation category refers to individual’s motivation to be part of the All IN for Health initiative. Interest category referred to individual’s specific interest in participating in the All IN for Health Advisory Board. Individuals were motivated to participate based on (1) family or friend diagnosis, (2) personal diagnosis, (3) roles as caregivers, (4) desire to impact change and advocacy, (5) role as health professional, and (6) previous participation in research. Interests followed similar themes with additional categories of sharing their experience, previous research and board experience, as well as a desire to educate future generations of researchers. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We share the narratives honoring individual stories for the top three motivations and interest. This information can be used for recruitment to boards, research participation, and healthcare advocacy, and highlights importance of sharing successes and challenges to the processes of forming and sustaining effective boards.

Challenges and responsibilities in the medication management process in 24/7 group housing services for adults with intellectual disability: Interviews with nurses.

Staff in 24/7 group housing services for adults with intellectual disability are responsible for ensuring safe medication management processes and supporting the residents in their health-related issues. Ten interviewed nurses reported several challenges in the medication management process emerging at the staff level, the level of the group home, and the level of the social and healthcare system, and were often related to issues in communication and responsibility. They reported a variety of complex tasks in the medication management process, for which they need a multiple skill set. They also act as healthcare advocates for residents, but healthcare services do not always match residents' needs. Training for social and healthcare professionals, access to healthcare services and the collaboration of social and healthcare services should be improved to provide the people with intellectual disability the best possible pharmacotherapy and healthcare.

“As a clinician, you have to be passionately involved”: Advocacy and professional responsibility in gender-affirming healthcare

Previous research has studied how clinicians such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists understand advocacy as a professional responsibility. Analyses have typically focused on individual healthcare professions and have viewed ambiguity around the conceptualization of advocacy as detrimental. Little research has considered how multiple professions within a single field of healthcare interpret clinician advocacy, nor how ambiguity might be productive in a multidisciplinary field. This article addresses these gaps by utilizing science and technology studies scholarship on buzzwords to analyze how clinicians in the field of gender-affirming healthcare have come to understand advocacy as a professional responsibility despite significant ambiguity around the goals, tactics, and targets of advocacy. Gender-affirming healthcare refers to any kind of physical or mental healthcare that transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people obtain to affirm their gender identity. Drawing on interviews with 30 U.S. clinicians, observation of nine transgender health conferences, and content analysis of 202 professional journal articles and 11 professional association statements, I argue that ambiguity around advocacy has been key to its uptake as a responsibility across multiple professions in this field. Foregrounding interview data, I show how polysemy allows clinician respondents across professions to reassert their expertise as they delineate what constitutes good gender-affirming healthcare and defend the emergent field in three problem domains: health insurance, the marginalization of TGD people, and the legality of gender-affirming healthcare. I also demonstrate how theoretical work on buzzwords explains why three clinician respondents rejected advocacy as a professional responsibility.

Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, and Recommendations for Care Delivery among Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study.

For women diagnosed with breast cancer, partners are consistently identified as the primary support person. Despite growing consensus about the psychosocial experience and unmet needs of cancer caregivers, limited evidence exists about strategies to offer partner-centered care across the cancer continuum. This study describes challenges endured by partners of breast cancer survivors (BCS), strategies implemented to manage these experiences, and recommendations for healthcare providers to inform targeted psychosocial care. Using convenience sampling, 22 partners of female BCS were recruited and completed semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to code and synthesize findings. Participants described undergoing five experiences in their role as romantic partners: (a) assuming the role of caregiver, (b) becoming healthcare advocates for BCS, (c) connecting emotionally with the partner, (d) managing their own painful emotions, and (e) connecting with others for support. Experience-specific coping strategies and recommendations were identified. Romantic partners face multiple transitions across the cancer care continuum, which warrant investigation to sustain their well-being and active participation in illness management. Psychosocial interventions for this group will benefit from flexible implementation and attention to care delivery, mental health, and supportive/social needs.

Abstract A024: Emerging editorial policies, researcher and author standards in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in research: A focus on cancer

Abstract By modernizing cancer journal roles and editorial policy there may be greater rigor, biological understanding, scientific generalizability, reproducibility, transparency, and inclusion in cancer research. A path to identifying, addressing and correcting of structural inequities in health has been recently established by three major medical journal’s editorial policies to date and continue to be influenced by the reality of several reviews of publications over years and decades of clinical trials in cancer where specifically race and ethnicity demographics of study populations have been under-reported. The NIH has acknowledged the importance of demographic reporting and the FDA has established that data reporting in clinical trials is important. Question: What is needed to transform the ecosystem to ensure standards in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in cancer research? There are several considerations for stakeholders in organizations to address the issue of demographic reporting in research which includes both gender and race. There are metrics intrinsic to journal leadership which may include (i) demographics and diversity of leadership and editorial boards (ii) demographics and diversity of research staff. There are author considerations such as (i) diverse representation of authors (ii) Inclusion of a citation diversity statement, with attention to diversity in referenced citations (iii) statement of efforts and policy made to provide for inclusive environment, mentorship, and participation. Specifically, to ensure diversity and inclusion in non-therapeutic and therapeutic research, demographic and non-demographic variables in basic, clinical, and outcomes research should be considered by investigators and statisticians. For example, a statement of US and/or ex-US demographics of the disease, to whom the research question applies, and for whom the intervention is intended, and eligibility requirements that are scientifically justified. ASCO, AACR, MRCT- Harvard recommend action and policies for publicly reporting robust demographic characteristics on the enrolled clinical trial sample as part of the future modernization of journal editorial policy. The issue of demographic collection and reporting in research may be influenced by a variety of factors which include journal requirements, author demographics, investigator gender and race standards, bias, actual under-representation of the study population in the research consistent with the disease under study or rigor in the collection of demographics of the study population. There is a need for greater transparency of researcher, author standards, and journal requirements, leading to transparent research participant demographic reporting consistent with the research question. In all cases, the ability for any researcher, health care advocate or student to fully understanding the next question that needs to be answered and the demographics of study participants for inclusion is not fully optimized. Citation Format: Jeanne M. Regnante, Barbara Bierer, Karen Winkfield. Emerging editorial policies, researcher and author standards in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in research: A focus on cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A024.

Management of and attitude of the general public toward common physical trauma events in Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to assess the extent of public knowledge of the causes, management, and preventive measures of common physical traumas among the adult population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: We distributed a questionnaire provided in both Arabic and English among all willing adults above 18 years old who were not involved in health advocating services/studies present in two malls in the northern and southern parts of Jeddah City. The questionnaire was distributed from December 2016 to November 2017.Data were collected and interpreted using an SPSS spreadsheet. Results: In total, 911 participants were enrolled in this study; 47% (n = 429) were men, and 53% (n = 482) were women. The no-response rate among the variables ranged from 2% to 12%. The age group with the highest number enrolled was 25-34 years (38%, n = 348). The majority of participants were employed (56%, n = 489), and up to 95% (n = 864) agreed on the importance of trauma education. Almost half of the participants (n = 415) had never heard of the tetanus vaccine, and only 18% (n = 168) had a cut that required medical attention. Pouring water on the wound and applying pressure were the main actions taken in case of bleeding from an injury (33%, n = 301). About 30% (n = 270) of the participants suffered from bone fractures, the main cause of which was falling (44%). Almost half of the participants (43%, n = 391) agreed that children and elderly individuals were the most prone to bone fractures from falls. Of the 359 participants with a history of traffic accidents, 44% were passengers. 21% (n = 188) of the participants had burns that required medical attention; hot water was the dominant cause (53%). Conclusion: Public awareness and guided planning for situational hazards and early reporting are crucial and part of our responsibility as healthcare advocates regardless of gender, age group, or educational level. In this study, the majority of participants agreed on the importance of trauma management education.

OP51 Improving Childhood Cancer Management And Financing In Ghana: Results From Stakeholder Mapping and Analysis

IntroductionCoverage of childhood cancer treatment under the Ghanaian National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has been a policy discussion recently. To improve priority setting, Ghana introduced and used health technology assessment (HTA) processes to guide the resource allocation. To understand the role of stakeholders throughout the HTA lifecycle and for this decision, a stakeholder mapping and engagement was undertaken. We share our results of this mapping and analysis for improving management and financing of childhood cancers in Ghana.MethodsWe used two main approaches; first, we undertook a systematic policy documents and literature review of stakeholders relevant in childhood cancer management and financing in Ghana. This was followed by a stakeholder engagement workshop of key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service (GHS), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector, teaching hospitals, patient groups, and civil society organizations. Participation was done in-person and virtual. Questions were moderated using a focus group discussion approach where responses were recorded. Data were analysed using synthesis and development of themes. Mapping of stakeholders was done using Mendelow’s power-interest grid.ResultsThe mapping identified eight key stakeholders in different roles: policy makers (Ministry of Health), payer (NHIA), healthcare providers (teaching hospitals, GHS, private hospitals), pharmaceutical companies, patient group (Ghana Parents Association for Childhood Cancers), and advocacy group (NGOs). Analysis showed that power and interest are concentrated with Ministry of Health and NHIA primarily because of control over resources. Also, while healthcare providers, patient groups, and advocacy groups have high interest, their power ranges from low to moderate. Further analysis of data from the workshop revealed that inability to pay for high cost of treatment leads to treatment abandonment. Payment for treatment was mainly out-of-pocket and by donation from philanthropist.ConclusionsThere was a strong will from stakeholders to extend coverage of the NHIS to childhood cancers in Ghana. Stakeholder engagement is a powerful tool and should be an integral part of every HTA process.

Piloting the Sexual and Gender Minority Cancer Curricular Advances for Research and Education (SGM Cancer CARE) Workshop: Research Training in the Service of SGM Cancer Health Equity.

The purpose of this study is to describe the context, curriculum design, and pilot evaluation of the educational program "Sexual and Gender Minority Cancer Curricular Advances for Research and Education" (SGM Cancer CARE), a workshop for early-career researchers and healthcare providers interested in gaining knowledge and skills in sexual and gender minority (SGM) cancer research and healthcare advocacy. A needs assessment of a sample of clinicians and researchers (n = 104) and feedback from an Advisory Board informed the curriculum design of the SGM Cancer CARE workshop. Four SGM-tailored modules, focusing on epidemiology, clinical research, behavioral science and interventions, and community-based participatory approaches, were developed and tested in a 2.5-day virtual format among 19 clinicians and researchers. A fifth module to provide feedback to participants on brief presentations about their SGM cancer research ideas or related efforts was added later. A mixed-methods evaluation comprised of pre- and post-modular online evaluation surveys and virtual focus groups was used to determine the degree to which the workshop curriculum met participant needs. Compared to pre-module evaluations, participants reported a marked increase in SGM cancer research knowledge in post-module scores. Quantitative results were supported by our qualitative findings. In open field response survey questions and post-workshop focus groups, participants reported being extremely pleased with the content and delivery format of the SGM Cancer CARE workshop. Participants did regret not having the opportunity to connect with instructors, mentors, and colleagues in person. The SGM Cancer CARE curriculum was shown to increase the knowledge, skills, and level of preparedness of early-career clinicians and scientists to conduct culturally relevant and appropriate research needed to improve care for SGM persons across the cancer care continuum from prevention to survivorship.

8896 Surgical Management of Leiomyoma: A Changing Landscape

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To examine trends in surgical management of patients with uterine leiomyoma and explore disparities in surgical approach in a modern cohort. <h3>Design</h3> Retrospective cohort study of data abstracted from American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. <h3>Setting</h3> NSQIP-participating hospitals across the United States. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> 52,909 women who underwent hysterectomy and 15,485 who underwent myomectomy between 2015 and 2019. Patients were excluded if they had a gynecologic malignancy, emergent surgery, or both hysterectomy and myomectomy in the study timeframe. Cases were identified by Current Procedural Terminology code. <h3>Interventions</h3> Hysterectomy or myomectomy for leiomyoma performed by any abdominal or minimally invasive approach, including laparoscopic, vaginal, or robotic assisted. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Regression and Cochran-Armitage Trend Test were conducted. The overall number of surgeries for leiomyoma (hysterectomy and myomectomy) rose from 10,896 in 2015 to 15,716 in 2019 (44.24% increase). The number of hysterectomies increased from 8,624 in 2015 to 11,846 in 2019 (37.36%), while myomectomies increased from 2,272 in 2015 to 3,870 in 2019 (70.33%). The proportion of patients who underwent myomectomy significantly increased (20.85% to 24.62%, p-value <0.0001), whereas hysterectomy significantly decreased (79.15% to 75.38%, p-value <0.0001). The number of non-Hispanic Black women receiving myomectomy rose from 913 in 2015 to 1,540 in 2019 (68.67%). The number of Asian women receiving myomectomy rose from 191 in 2015 to 372 in 2019 (94.76%). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Increasing rate of surgical treatment for leiomyoma was seen over the study period. A shift towards myomectomy comprising a greater proportion of surgeries performed was identified. The greatest increase in number of myomectomy performance was for Non-Hispanic Black and Asian women. These trends may represent improved access to surgical treatment of leiomyoma, resulting from the growth of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery as a sub-specialty. Additionally, these findings may suggest a positive response to notable advocacy for equitable healthcare for all patients.

Understanding Health Policy and Its Importance in Residency Education for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Health policy shapes the delivery of surgical care and the reimbursement of oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs). Understanding broad principles of health policy will better allow surgeons to develop policies that will ultimately affect surgical practice. The growing presence of corporate and private equity investments in OMS practice management as well as expanding interests in value-based reimbursement models has innumerable implications for OMSs and patients. A standardized health policy curriculum for educating OMS trainees in key health policy principles may encourage OMSs to actively participate in health care advocacy efforts and shape the policies that may affect their future scope of practice.