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I'm Ian Roos and I have cancer
hence I am what is known as a cancer consumer
I realise that this term is not familiar to some people
but it refers to people who are affected by cancer
either as a patient
a carer
or a family member
I am also a consumer advocate
in that I get involved with the health system
on behalf of others also affected by cancer.
In that capacity I have been part of the team that worked to produce
the National Framework
for Consumer Involvement
in Cancer Control.
The Framework was developed in order to assist organizations
and consumers
to have a consistent approach to consumer engagement
To be able to put together what are the critical elements
to successful involvement of consumers
in all the actions taken
to reduce the burden of cancer
from prevention
through diagnosis and treatment
to survivorship and palliative care
The Framework is structured around four key elements that are essential for
for successful consumer involvement in cancer control
Committed Organisations
Inclusive Groups
Shared Focus
and Capable Consumers
These were derived from information acquired through interviews with over
fifty organizations
surveys involving more than 400 individuals
the majority being consumers
and referenced by a group of nearly twenty consumers
It has been informed by consumers
policy makers
health professionals
researchers and health service managers
The Framework is intended for all those involved in the entire spectrum
of cancer control
be they consumers, policy makers, health professionals,
researchers or health service managers
whether they are in for example
a small rural health service
a major hospital
a research organisation
a cancer charity
or a government department
The Framework offers these groups the opportunity to analyse/review what
they are doing about consumer involvement
what they need to have in place to ensure that consumer engagement
is incorporated successfully into their organisation
It also allows people to look at their individual responsibilities
and the opportunities open to them
in their organisation as individuals
The toolkit
is what it implies a kit of resources that will assist people
and organisations to implement the Framework
How can people best make use of this?
well it is a web based set of resources for people to explore and use as
appropriate
it is not how to do it instruction manual
as every situation is different
it is a set of resources and aides which people can choose and use in their
unique situation
the website has been specifically structured
to offer options to different audiences
including CEOs of cancer organisations or health services
Researchers
Policy Makers
consumers and health professionals working in cancer control
So I would encourage people to explore the toolkit
to use it to assist with obtaining best practice consumer involvement
in cancer control