Consumer Participation

A strategic approach to involving consumers and carers as drivers in the quality improvement of cancer services in Victoria has been developed to ensure effective participation of consumers, carers and community members as partners in the Integrated Cancer Services (ICS).

The development of A guide to enhancing consumer and carer participation in Victoria’s Integrated Cancer Services outlines a strategic model to support ICS to plan, implement and evaluate consumer and carer participation.

For consumers and carers, this approach acknowledges and values the input of people who have experienced the cancer journey, and makes a real contribution to legitimising the role of consumers and carers as key partners in the planning, delivery and reform of cancer services.

International and local support for consumer participation is increasing and evidence is mounting on the benefits of consumer and carer involvement in improving health services. The project to develop a strategic approach to consumer participation has advanced consumer participation knowledge by identifying priority actions and processes to support ICS to engage consumers and carers.

For further information on this project please contact Spiridoula Galetakis, Acting Manager, Integrated Cancer Services on Tel (03) 9096 2131 or email at spiridoula.galetakis@dhs.vic.gov.au

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