Engaging with ethnic minority consumers to improve safety in cancer services: A national stakeholder analysis

Ethnic minority populations are often exposed to healthcare-associated harm. There is little evidence about whether current patient engagement interventions are relevant. We conducted a national analysis of existing approaches amongst stakeholders in cancer care.

Five online focus groups were conducted with 24 participants from consumer and health organisations across the Australian cancer system. Case studies depicting common methods of healthcare engagement to improve patient safety were developed and used to explore the suitability of current methods. Data were analysed thematically using the framework method.

Three themes were identified: 1) sociocultural foundations of consumer engagement; 2) principles for adaptation; and 3) integration and implementation into cancer services. Sociocultural beliefs about cancer were considered to influence suitability. Adaptation may include multichannel methods, visual modalities and culturally specific content. Health system capacity, cultural competence of health service providers and consumer-led co-development were identified as critical to successful implementation.

Existing engagement strategies are not completely suitable for ethnic minority populations nor feasible for implementation within cancer services.

Healthcare services must work with ethnic minority populations to understand if and how underpinning beliefs influence engagement with cancer services. A range of tangible techniques may enhance the suitability of existing interventions.