Abstract
Introduction and Aims: More than 8000 women are diagnosed
with a gynaecological cancer in Australia and New Zealand each
year.1,2 Gynaecological cancer survivors and caregivers are in a unique
position to share personal insights to shape future directions in gynaecological
cancer research, advocate for research funding and educate
the next generation of health professionals.
Recognising the importance of the consumer voice, the Australia
New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) sought
to develop a Community Engagement Program (CEP) that provides
opportunities for people with a lived experience of gynaecological
cancer to contribute meaningfully and effect outcomes for
gynaecological cancer patients now and into the future.
Methods: ANZGOG undertook a process of discovery regarding best
practice in community engagement to define the strategy and framework
to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteer contribution.
Development of the CEP was informed by extensive consultation
with stakeholders, ANZGOG members, community volunteers and
organisations with significant experience in consumer partnerships.
Results: Consultation confirmed that ANZGOG’s CEP will provide
opportunities for people with a lived experience of gynaecological
cancer (n = 123) to contribute across three pillars: Education, Advocacy
and Research – based upon individual areas of interest, or
expertise, by matching volunteers with the pillar most suited to them.
It was considered essential that volunteers are provided with training
and ongoing support to fulfill their role.
Conclusion: The design of the CEP ensures ANZGOG’s strategies,
priorities and activities are informed by, and reflect, the diverse needs
of people with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer.
1. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/gynaecologicalcancers/
statistics
2. https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/new-cancer-registrations-
2019
with a gynaecological cancer in Australia and New Zealand each
year.1,2 Gynaecological cancer survivors and caregivers are in a unique
position to share personal insights to shape future directions in gynaecological
cancer research, advocate for research funding and educate
the next generation of health professionals.
Recognising the importance of the consumer voice, the Australia
New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) sought
to develop a Community Engagement Program (CEP) that provides
opportunities for people with a lived experience of gynaecological
cancer to contribute meaningfully and effect outcomes for
gynaecological cancer patients now and into the future.
Methods: ANZGOG undertook a process of discovery regarding best
practice in community engagement to define the strategy and framework
to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteer contribution.
Development of the CEP was informed by extensive consultation
with stakeholders, ANZGOG members, community volunteers and
organisations with significant experience in consumer partnerships.
Results: Consultation confirmed that ANZGOG’s CEP will provide
opportunities for people with a lived experience of gynaecological
cancer (n = 123) to contribute across three pillars: Education, Advocacy
and Research – based upon individual areas of interest, or
expertise, by matching volunteers with the pillar most suited to them.
It was considered essential that volunteers are provided with training
and ongoing support to fulfill their role.
Conclusion: The design of the CEP ensures ANZGOG’s strategies,
priorities and activities are informed by, and reflect, the diverse needs
of people with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer.
1. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/gynaecologicalcancers/
statistics
2. https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/new-cancer-registrations-
2019
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 40-56 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2024 |
| Event | Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024 - Gold Coast, Australia Duration: 13 Nov 2024 → 15 Nov 2024 |
Conference
| Conference | Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Gold Coast |
| Period | 13/11/24 → 15/11/24 |
