Cancer services are better planned when patients , carers and loved ones work with health professionals to identify shared problems and build shared solutions. Health services around the Grampians want to know about the experiences of people living with cancer, and work out how we can make those experiences better for patients, carers and their families.
The Grampians region “Cancer Conversations” project, in partnership with OurSay, engages with people affected by cancer, so that issues and solutions can be highlighted, discussed and planned for together. It is about building shared understanding of issues and shared commitment to improving cancer care.
Summary of Approach:
1. Gather ideas and vote
Information and insights of local cancer consumers are posted onto an online portal. Cancer consumers, health professionals and community members are invited to vote for the ideas and issues that are most important to them. Consumers are provided with personal support to develop and submit ideas.
2. Discussion
The top five ideas, insights and ideas as voted in the OurSay portal will be used to form the agenda for a conference with health professionals, system leaders and managers, as well as consumers. The aim of the conference is to engage in productive dialogues between consumers and health system professionals and administrators, so that the key issues, as identified by communities, are given the attention they need.
3. Planning and action
Issues identified online and at the conference will be used to inform development of a regional cancer services plan, to be developed by the Grampians Integrated Cancer Service. The aim of the plan is to build a system-wide picture of cancer services in the Grampians region, so that appropriate follow-up projects and initiatives can be launched.