Consumer involvement in cancer research: example from a Cancer Network

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Research
• Oncology Research

Background:

• Consumer and public engagement is vital for healthcare improvement.
• Consumer involvement in cancer research remains underexplored.
• This study examines consumer engagement in cancer research within a regional network.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and document methods of consumer involvement in cancer research.
• To evaluate the activity of a Consumer Research Partnership (CRP) group.
• To assess the scope and level of consumer participation in research projects.

Main Methods:

• Formation of the Thames Valley Cancer Network Consumer Research Partnership (CRP) group in 2009.
• Evaluation of CRP activities from March 2010 to March 2011.
• Analysis of project types, involvement levels (consultation to collaboration), and engagement methods.

Main Results:

• Fifteen cancer research projects engaged with the CRP.
• Involvement ranged from reviewing patient information sheets to co-developing grant applications.
• Consumers contributed to study design, trial recruitment strategies, and project management.

Conclusions:

• The CRP successfully documented and facilitated consumer involvement in cancer research.
• Consumers can effectively participate in the design and management of cancer research projects.
• This model demonstrates a viable approach for integrating public input into oncology research.