Beyond clinical practice in pediatric psychology: Illustrative experiences in influencing practice changes, public opinion, and governmental policies.

Consistent with the core underpinnings of advocacy within the field of pediatrics, the discipline of pediatric psychology places an emphasis on advocating for children through clinical and research efforts as well as through a systems approach of interdisciplinary collaboration and partnering with others. In the current article, the role of advocacy efforts for pediatric psychologists within children's hospitals are highlighted. Various forms and models of advocacy are discussed, particularly as they relate to individual and organizational advocacy within children's hospitals, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and shared advocacy with other health care providers and leadership. Training of pediatric psychologists in advocacy is also addressed, including limitations in development and application of advocacy skills for pediatric psychologists. Examples of policy change at the hospital/institutional, state, and national levels are also provided. While pediatric psychologists are in unique positions to advocate for their patients within interdisciplinary health care settings, challenges in advocacy exist. Future directions for improving advocacy for pediatric psychologists are explored. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).