On the rock, in a hard place: challenges in working with advocacy and care provider groups

Researchers from Memorial University of Newfoundland collaborated with a patient advocacy organization and the provincial cancer care provider on a study showing substantial variation in out-of-pocket costs for patients travelling to access cancer treatment. While the partnered research phase of the study proceeded smoothly, the successful dissemination of the findings--and the resulting government and media interest--created pressure for the provincial cancer care provider. This agency distanced itself from the study and ended its role in what has proved to be an otherwise successful partnership.