How Can We Build Effective Healthcare Teams for the Future?

January 31, 2025

In an ever-changing political climate, one constant remains: healthcare is easier to navigate with a solid team. Building a comprehensive healthcare team is essential, especially for those facing complex healthcare needs or marginalized communities. The importance of such a team became particularly evident during the unsettling period when Trump was elected president, leading many to seek immediate healthcare due to looming uncertainties. Regardless of political shifts, the need for a dependable healthcare system persists. Let’s explore how to identify the right individuals to join your healthcare team and strengthen existing relationships.

1. Identify a Healthcare Accountability Partner

We often expect our life partners to be our health partners, but reality shows that this can quickly get complicated. Many queer individuals and nurses have had to be strongly persuaded to seek care, even when it was obviously necessary. A friend once told me this wasn’t fair to my partner who already had to manage their own worries and the additional emotional labor of managing my healthcare. My realization led me to build mutual healthcare partner relationships with friends—not necessarily my closest inner circle but individuals willing to help prioritize preventative care, chronic conditions, and follow-ups.

Each partner relationship is unique, and possible roles in such relationships include various forms of support. One of the primary roles is creating a care plan. If you’ve been putting off necessary medical check-ups, the sheer scope might feel overwhelming, but a partner can help break it down into manageable steps. Additionally, they can provide accompaniment to appointments, whether in person or virtually. Even if you wouldn’t opt to have a healthcare partner during a sensitive procedure, knowing they’re available via text can make a difference between feeling isolated and feeling supported. This might not sound like a significant factor, but in practice, it can be quite impactful.

Another crucial role a healthcare partner can play is advocacy assistance. The reasons for delaying care are often valid—it could be due to high costs, traumatic past experiences, or the additional burdens faced by intersecting identities, such as being trans, disabled, or a person of color. A partner can advocate for you in situations where self-advocacy is difficult, from making appointments to negotiating with insurance companies. The fact that we often argue more effectively for someone else than ourselves is something to be addressed perhaps in therapy, but there’s no shame in using this tendency to help a loved one get their necessary treatments. Friendly competition, such as seeing who can book a dentist appointment first, can provide just the nudge needed. It might seem trivial, but playful encouragement works in sports and can work in healthcare too.

2. Expand Your Network of Care

Aggressively de-isolating oneself is essential in expanding your network of care. A few years back, during a workshop at the Philly Trans Wellness Conference, a participant raised an important concern about not having anyone to accompany her to the emergency room due to being stealth in her community. The session came to a halt, and we brainstormed various potential sources of support. Much like brainstorming sessions, identifying your support network in advance is crucial rather than making last-minute calls from urgent care. Examples included open 12-step groups, inclusive or liberal churches (despite the Christian church’s harsh treatment of LGBTQ+ people, religious institutions can have supportive members), businesses that cater to LGBTQ+ communities, and local chapters of disease-specific organizations.

If you’re geographically isolated, the specifics of these examples might not apply, but the important takeaway is the need for creativity in finding support beforehand. You’re not hunting for a best friend, so it’s less about common interests and more about their willingness to provide community support during potential crises. Establishing meaningful relationships in unexpected places can significantly address your healthcare needs. For instance, Regina Lattler, a Michigan trans woman in a rural area, found her healthcare partner in a knitting group, affirming that though transphobes might be widespread, allies exist everywhere as well.

3. Establish a Framework for Care

In an ever-evolving political climate, one thing remains constant: healthcare navigation becomes more manageable with a reliable team. Building a robust healthcare team is crucial, especially for those enduring intricate health needs or belonging to marginalized communities. The significance of such a team was particularly highlighted during the turbulent period following Trump’s election when many people rushed to secure healthcare due to uncertainty about impending changes. Regardless of political transitions, the necessity for a trustworthy healthcare system remains.

Finding the right people to join your healthcare team and nurturing existing relationships is vital. This involves seeking out professionals who are not only skilled but also understand and respect the unique needs of diverse patients. Equally important is maintaining strong communication and trust with current team members. By focusing on collaboration and shared goals, we can ensure the delivery of comprehensive, compassionate care. Let’s delve into strategies for identifying the best individuals for your healthcare team and the importance of maintaining solid professional relationships.

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