MCQ Quiz: Advocacy

Advocacy is a cornerstone of the pharmacy profession, extending far beyond the dispensary counter. It is the active, purposeful effort to advance both the health of individual patients and the profession of pharmacy itself. As detailed in the Personal and Professional Development curriculum, student pharmacists are trained to be effective advocates by engaging in the political process, communicating the value of their services, and championing patient-centered care. From patient advocacy in daily practice to professional advocacy in the legislative arena, these skills are crucial for shaping the future of healthcare. This quiz will test your understanding of the principles, strategies, and importance of advocacy for the modern pharmacist.

1. As described in the PPD 4 syllabus, “Political Advocacy” for the pharmacy profession primarily involves:

• a) Running for political office.
• b) Engaging with legislators and policymakers to advance the profession and improve patient care.
• c) Protesting outside the state capitol.
• d) Donating to political campaigns.

Answer: b) Engaging with legislators and policymakers to advance the profession and improve patient care.

2. A pharmacist calls a patient’s insurance company to appeal a rejected prior authorization for a medically necessary medication. This is a direct example of:

• a) Professional advocacy
• b) Patient advocacy
• c) Political advocacy
• d) A medication error

Answer: b) Patient advocacy

3. The PPD 4 course includes an assignment to “Email your State Rep.” The purpose of this assignment is to:

• a) Complain about pharmacy school.
• b) Provide students with practical experience in communicating with elected officials about pharmacy-related issues.
• c) Fulfill a community service requirement.
• d) Ask the representative for a job.

Answer: b) Provide students with practical experience in communicating with elected officials about pharmacy-related issues.

4. When meeting with a legislator or their staff, the most effective strategy is to:

• a) Use complex medical jargon to demonstrate your expertise.
• b) Present a clear, concise message and a specific “ask,” supported by a personal patient story.
• c) Demand that they support your position without providing a reason.
• d) Discuss a wide range of unrelated political issues.

Answer: b) Present a clear, concise message and a specific “ask,” supported by a personal patient story.

5. One of the primary issues for which pharmacists have been advocating at the federal level is:

• a) The ability to perform surgery.
• b) The authority to prescribe all medications without restriction.
• c) Achieving “provider status” under Medicare Part B for reimbursement of clinical services.
• d) The elimination of all chain pharmacies.

Answer: c) Achieving “provider status” under Medicare Part B for reimbursement of clinical services.

6. A pharmacist who identifies a systems-based problem leading to medication errors and develops a new workflow to fix it is demonstrating:

• a) Leadership
• b) Innovation
• c) A form of patient advocacy
• d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

7. Why is it important for pharmacists to advocate for an expanded scope of practice (e.g., “Test and Treat” authority)?

• a) To make more money.
• b) To increase patient access to timely and convenient healthcare.
• c) To compete with physicians.
• d) To eliminate the need for technicians.

Answer: b) To increase patient access to timely and convenient healthcare.

8. The PPD curriculum lists “patient advocacy” as a key pharmacist attribute. This means a pharmacist should:

• a) Always agree with the patient, even if they are requesting something harmful.
• b) Act in the best interest of the patient, ensuring their needs are met and their voice is heard.
• c) Prioritize the pharmacy’s profits over the patient’s well-being.
• d) Avoid communicating with the patient’s other healthcare providers.

Answer: b) Act in the best interest of the patient, ensuring their needs are met and their voice is heard.

9. A pharmacist joins their state pharmacy association and participates in the annual “Pharmacy Day at the Capitol.” This is an effective form of:

• a) Patient counseling
• b) Professional advocacy
• c) A required IPPE activity
• d) A social event

Answer: b) Professional advocacy

10. A patient cannot afford their medication. Which of the following is an act of patient advocacy?

• a) Telling the patient to simply not take the medication.
• b) Helping the patient search for manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs.
• c) Suggesting the patient get a better job.
• d) Ignoring the patient’s concern.

Answer: b) Helping the patient search for manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs.

11. The PPD 4 syllabus objective, “Recognize the importance of advocating for the profession of pharmacy,” implies that advocacy is:

• a) Optional for pharmacists who are not interested in politics.
• b) A responsibility shared by all members of the profession.
• c) Only for pharmacy owners.
• d) The sole responsibility of pharmacy associations.

Answer: b) A responsibility shared by all members of the profession.

12. When communicating with a legislator, it is important to:

• a) Be confrontational and aggressive.
• b) Be respectful, professional, and prepared.
• c) Assume they know nothing about pharmacy.
• d) Assume they know everything about pharmacy.

Answer: b) Be respectful, professional, and prepared.

13. A “legislative alert” from a pharmacy association typically:

• a) Announces a new drug approval.
• b) Informs members about a pending bill that could impact pharmacy practice and urges them to contact their legislators.
• c) Provides a schedule of upcoming social events.
• d) Lists job openings in the state.

Answer: b) Informs members about a pending bill that could impact pharmacy practice and urges them to contact their legislators.

14. A pharmacist who provides free blood pressure screenings at a community health fair is engaging in:

• a) Public health promotion, a form of community advocacy.
• b) Political lobbying.
• c) A marketing gimmick.
• d) A required legal duty.

Answer: a) Public health promotion, a form of community advocacy.

15. The most effective advocacy efforts are often:

• a) Done by a single person working alone.
• b) Coordinated and unified, involving many pharmacists and student pharmacists speaking with one voice.
• c) Spontaneous and unplanned.
• d) Negative and focused on complaining.

Answer: b) Coordinated and unified, involving many pharmacists and student pharmacists speaking with one voice.

16. Why is a personal patient story a powerful advocacy tool?

• a) It is a violation of HIPAA.
• b) It puts a human face on a complex issue, making it more relatable and impactful for legislators.
• c) It is not considered effective.
• d) It is only useful for fundraising.

Answer: b) It puts a human face on a complex issue, making it more relatable and impactful for legislators.

17. The PPD 4 curriculum includes watching videos on “How to talk to your Legislator.” This indicates that effective advocacy requires:

• a) Natural talent that cannot be taught.
• b) Specific skills and techniques that can be learned and practiced.
• c) A degree in political science.
• d) A loud and commanding voice.

Answer: b) Specific skills and techniques that can be learned and practiced.

18. A pharmacist notices a recurring medication error caused by a confusing label on a newly marketed drug. An act of patient advocacy would be to:

• a) Ignore the issue.
• b) Report the issue to the FDA’s MedWatch program and the manufacturer.
• c) Create their own warning labels to put on the product.
• d) Tell patients not to take the drug.

Answer: b) Report the issue to the FDA’s MedWatch program and the manufacturer.

19. When advocating for a specific bill, the “ask” is:

• a) A request for a personal favor from the legislator.
• b) The specific action you want the legislator to take (e.g., “I urge you to vote ‘yes’ on House Bill 123”).
• c) A question about the legislator’s personal life.
• d) A demand for money.

Answer: b) The specific action you want the legislator to take (e.g., “I urge you to vote ‘yes’ on House Bill 123”).

20. The “Being an Advocate in Pharmacy” lecture in PPD 4 likely covers:

• a) The different arenas for advocacy, from the individual patient level to the state and federal legislative level.
• b) Only federal legislative issues.
• c) Only patient-level advocacy.
• d) How to run a successful community pharmacy.

Answer: a) The different arenas for advocacy, from the individual patient level to the state and federal legislative level.

21. Building a relationship with your local legislator’s staff is important because:

• a) They are often the gatekeepers and can be influential in shaping the legislator’s views.
• b) They are not important to the legislative process.
• c) They can give you free tickets to events.
• d) They write the final version of all laws.

Answer: a) They are often the gatekeepers and can be influential in shaping the legislator’s views.

22. Which pharmacist attribute is most closely linked to advocacy?

• a) Self-awareness
• b) Leadership
• c) Communication
• d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

23. A pharmacist is counseling a patient who has difficulty understanding their medication regimen. The pharmacist takes extra time, uses simple language, and provides a pictograph schedule. This is an act of advocacy for the patient’s:

• a) Financial well-being.
• b) Health literacy and right to understand their care.
• c) Social status.
• d) Privacy.

Answer: b) Health literacy and right to understand their care.

24. The term “scope of practice” refers to:

• a) The types of medications a pharmacy keeps in stock.
• b) The range of services and procedures that a healthcare professional is legally permitted to perform.
• c) The physical size of a pharmacy.
• d) A pharmacist’s daily schedule.

Answer: b) The range of services and procedures that a healthcare professional is legally permitted to perform.

25. Pharmacists advocate to expand their scope of practice in order to:

• a) Perform tasks they are not trained for.
• b) Better utilize their clinical skills to meet the healthcare needs of the public.
• c) Increase the amount of time it takes to become a pharmacist.
• d) Reduce the need for pharmacy technicians.

Answer: b) Better utilize their clinical skills to meet the healthcare needs of the public.

26. Staying informed about current events in healthcare and pharmacy is a prerequisite for effective:

• a) Dispensing
• b) Advocacy
• c) Compounding
• d) Billing

Answer: b) Advocacy

27. A key part of the PPD 4 advocacy assignment is to identify your specific political figures. Why is this important?

• a) It is not important; you can contact any legislator.
• b) Advocacy is most effective when it comes from a constituent—a person who lives and votes in the legislator’s own district.
• c) To send them a holiday card.
• d) To ask for an autograph.

Answer: b) Advocacy is most effective when it comes from a constituent—a person who lives and votes in the legislator’s own district.

28. An effective advocacy email to a legislator should:

• a) Be several pages long and cover many different topics.
• b) Have an angry and demanding tone.
• c) Be brief, state your purpose and your “ask” clearly, and identify yourself as a constituent.
• d) Be anonymous.

Answer: c) Be brief, state your purpose and your “ask” clearly, and identify yourself as a constituent.

29. The ultimate goal of professional advocacy in pharmacy is to:

• a) Increase pharmacists’ salaries.
• b) Make pharmacy the most powerful healthcare profession.
• c) Improve patient health outcomes by advancing the practice of pharmacy.
• d) Reduce the educational requirements for pharmacists.

Answer: c) Improve patient health outcomes by advancing the practice of pharmacy.

30. A pharmacist who collaborates with a local public health department to set up a vaccine clinic is demonstrating advocacy at what level?

• a) Individual patient
• b) Community/Population
• c) State legislative
• d) Federal regulatory

Answer: b) Community/Population

31. When advocating for an issue, it is critical to be prepared to:

• a) Discuss the opposing viewpoint and provide a well-reasoned counterargument.
• b) Ignore anyone who disagrees with you.
• c) Become emotional if you are challenged.
• d) End the conversation if you face any disagreement.

Answer: a) Discuss the opposing viewpoint and provide a well-reasoned counterargument.

32. A “grassroots” advocacy campaign is one that:

• a) Is led by high-paid lobbyists in Washington D.C.
• b) Mobilizes a large number of individual members of a group (like pharmacists) to contact their legislators.
• c) Is focused on environmental issues.
• d) Takes place only on social media.

Answer: b) Mobilizes a large number of individual members of a group (like pharmacists) to contact their legislators.

33. Participating in a student pharmacy organization’s advocacy day is a form of:

• a) Co-curricular activity that develops professional skills.
• b) A required class.
• c) A political protest.
• d) A purely social activity.

Answer: a) Co-curricular activity that develops professional skills.

34. A pharmacist identifies that a patient’s medication is on backorder from all manufacturers. An act of patient advocacy would be to:

• a) Tell the patient there is nothing you can do.
• b) Contact the prescriber to discuss and recommend a suitable therapeutic alternative.
• c) Tell the patient to call the manufacturer themselves.
• d) Give the patient an expired medication.

Answer: b) Contact the prescriber to discuss and recommend a suitable therapeutic alternative.

35. Why is it important for the pharmacy profession to have a unified voice when advocating on major issues?

• a) It shows legislators that the issue is important to a large, organized group of professionals.
• b) It prevents different pharmacy groups from lobbying for opposing bills.
• c) It amplifies the message.
• d) All of the above.

Answer: d) All of the above.

36. A Political Action Committee (PAC) associated with a pharmacy organization is a legal entity that:

• a) Writes pharmacy laws.
• b) Can raise and contribute money to support political candidates who are favorable to the profession’s goals.
• c) Is a type of protest group.
• d) Provides continuing education to pharmacists.

Answer: b) Can raise and contribute money to support political candidates who are favorable to the profession’s goals.

37. The skills used in patient counseling, such as active listening and clear communication, are directly transferable to:

• a) Advocating for a patient with their physician.
• b) Meeting with a legislator.
• c) Presenting at a conference.
• d) All of the above.

Answer: d) All of the above.

38. The “promoter” role, as listed in the HIPPE syllabus outcomes, aligns with the pharmacist’s function as a(n):

• a) Advocate for public health and disease prevention.
• b) Dispenser of medications.
• c) Inventory manager.
• d) Financial officer.

Answer: a) Advocate for public health and disease prevention.

39. A follow-up thank you note after a legislative visit is important because it:

• a) Is a professional courtesy that helps build a long-term relationship.
• b) Is a good opportunity to briefly reiterate your key message.
• c) Helps the legislator and their staff remember you and your issue.
• d) All of the above.

Answer: d) All of the above.

40. If a pharmacist is uncomfortable with political advocacy, they can still advocate for the profession by:

• a) Being an exemplary practitioner and a positive role model.
• b) Precepting and mentoring student pharmacists.
• c) Joining and supporting their state and national pharmacy associations.
• d) All of the above.

Answer: d) All of the above.

41. The development of collaborative practice agreements was a result of:

• a) A federal law requiring them.
• b) A spontaneous decision by physicians.
• c) Years of professional advocacy by pharmacists and pharmacy organizations at the state level.
• d) A mandate from insurance companies.

Answer: c) Years of professional advocacy by pharmacists and pharmacy organizations at the state level.

42. When a pharmacist advocates for a patient, they are fulfilling which core ethical principle?

• a) Justice
• b) Autonomy
• c) Beneficence (acting in the patient’s best interest)
• d) Veracity

Answer: c) Beneficence (acting in the patient’s best interest)

43. A barrier to effective advocacy can be:

• a) Apathy or the belief that one person cannot make a difference.
• b) A lack of understanding of the legislative process.
• c) Fear of speaking to people in positions of power.
• d) All of the above.

Answer: d) All of the above.

44. The PPD 4 syllabus includes a keynote address by RADM Scott Giberson. Including a speech from a high-ranking public health official emphasizes that pharmacist advocacy impacts:

• a) Only the finances of a single pharmacy.
• b) National health policy and public health initiatives.
• c) Only the state of Tennessee.
• d) The military exclusively.

Answer: b) National health policy and public health initiatives.

45. An effective advocate is always:

• a) Informed
• b) Professional
• c) Persistent
• d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

46. A pharmacist contacts a local newspaper to write a story about the importance of medication synchronization for improving patient safety in the community. This is a form of:

• a) Public relations and community advocacy.
• b) A HIPAA violation.
• c) A political campaign.
• d) A research study.

Answer: a) Public relations and community advocacy.

47. The most powerful person to advocate for the value of pharmacy services is a(n):

• a) A satisfied patient who can share their positive experience.
• b) A lobbyist.
• c) A pharmacy school dean.
• d) A pharmaceutical company representative.

Answer: a) A satisfied patient who can share their positive experience.

48. Advocating for fair reimbursement for clinical services is important because:

• a) It allows pharmacy practices to be financially sustainable and expand patient care services.
• b) Pharmacists should work for free.
• c) It is not an important issue.
• d) It only benefits pharmacy owners.

Answer: a) It allows pharmacy practices to be financially sustainable and expand patient care services.

49. An “unfunded mandate” is a law or regulation that requires pharmacies to provide a new service without:

• a) Any training.
• b) A mechanism for reimbursement.
• c) The necessary technology.
• d) Any notice.

Answer: b) A mechanism for reimbursement.

50. The PPD curriculum teaches advocacy skills to empower students to:

• a) Become passive observers of their profession.
• b) Actively shape the future of pharmacy practice.
• c) Complain effectively on social media.
• d) Focus only on their individual job security.

Answer: b) Actively shape the future of pharmacy practice.