Cancer Australia has today launched two new online multimedia resources to increase the involvement of people affected by cancer in cancer control efforts.
Cancer Australia CEO Professor Helen Zorbas said that World Cancer Day provided an opportunity to acknowledge the unique perspective that cancer consumers provide to improving cancer care and services.
The two new resources are:
- the Consumer Learning website which is designed to enhance consumer knowledge and confidence to participate in cancer research and clinical trials. The website contains short online learning modules and video presentations to guide consumers who are seeking to participate in clinical trials and research
- the Consumer Involvement Toolkit will support CEOs, managers, health professionals, researchers and policy makers to effectively involve consumers in their organisation’s work. By providing practical, easy-to-navigate and user friendly tools including case studies, templates and other time saving aids such as checklists, these organisations and individuals will find it easier to engage and involve people affected by cancer.
“Increasingly, people affected by cancer and the broader community are seeking to take an active part in decision making about their health and these resources will assist in facilitating that consumer involvement,” Professor Zorbas said.
“The evidence suggests that involving consumers leads to improved health outcomes, a more trusted health system and a more satisfied workforce.
“There are many areas where the active participation of consumers has led to changes and improvements, including setting priorities for research, policy development and health service improvements.
“People affected by cancer remain at the centre of Cancer Australia’s efforts and the development of these resources provides some practical tools for consumers to have a voice in cancer control.”
Consumers, health professionals, researchers and policy makers from a range of health organisations from across Australia have been instrumental in developing the new resources.
The Consumer Learning website was developed in collaboration with the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) and is available at http://consumerlearning.canceraustralia.gov.au.
The Consumer Involvement Toolkit was developed with the assistance of the Health Issues Centre and was based on the world first National Framework for Consumer Involvement in Cancer Control released by Cancer Australia in 2011. It is available at http://consumerinvolvement.canceraustralia.gov.au.
- Read more about World Cancer Day
Media contact: Josh McIntosh (02) 9357 9401 or 0438 209 833