Overview
Active involvement of consumers in the planning and establishment of the Cancer Service Networks (CanNETs) across Australia is pivotal to the success of this program.
In addition to consumers being involved at a national level, each of the seven project teams has recruited consumers to guide the development of their local cancer service networks. This strategy will help ensure that health care providers are focused on addressing the needs of people affected by cancer, particularly those in rural areas.
The development of a consumer participation strategy for CanNET Victoria Final Report, for example, presents the findings from a series of group meetings and individual interviews with a total of 128 people affected by cancer.
Consumer involvement is a key element of cancer service network development. The following resources can be used to guide this work.