Consumer participation

The Victorian Government is committed to involving people in decision making about health services. Participation in health is an essential principle of health development, clinical governance, community capacity building and the development of social capital.

Participation is valued because it is:

an aid to improve health outcomes and the quality of healthcare
an important democratic right
a mechanism to ensure accountability.

Participation occurs when consumers, carers and community members are meaningfully involved in decision making about health policy and planning, care and treatment, and the wellbeing of themselves and the community. It is about having consumers having their say, thinking about why they believe in their views and listening to the views and ideas of others. In working together, health policy decisions will include a range of perspectives.

Equity in participation: towards a new healthcare policy framework

The Department of Health and Human Services has commenced the development of a new equity and participation policy. The new policy will address consumer, carer and community participation, diversity, and cultural responsiveness within a quality and safety framework.