Consumers have a significant impact on VCCC projects and programs. In recognition, VCCC is introducing recompense in acknowledgement of consumer contribution and expertise.
The new VCCC cost model aligns with the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines (as specified by Safer Care Victoria), and corresponds with the five-tiered levels of consumer participation outlined in the organisation’s Model of Consumer Engagement.
VCCC continues to extend its reliance upon patients, carers and families to ensure that practice is grounded in the experience, views, and preferences of those who we are here to serve. Consumers are on steering committees and working groups; take part in focus groups and surveys; review of grant applications and information resources; join interview panels. They play an important role in assisting clinicians and researchers understand cancer from an experiential perspective. Consumers are all ages, come from all walks of life and are at different stages of treatment or recovery.
All consumers currently involved with VCCC programs and activities will be incorporated into the new scheme.
VCCC Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee member Keith Donohoe says, "Having been a regular volunteer strategic contributor to healthcare, I find introducing honorariums focuses the requestor into efficient and respectful use of the resource, and positively changes some volunteers' accountability for their contribution. In these days of community focus on fair work recompense, I support uncomplicated payment of honorariums as a token of appreciation."
“I support uncomplicated payment of honorariums as a token of appreciation."
Keith Donohoe, VCCC Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee member
Such is the recognition of the strategic value of consumer partnerships, the Victorian Cancer Agency now requires researchers to involve consumers and the community in research, stating: “Significant consumer involvement in health services, cancer research groups and policy development has been shown to improve outcomes and experiences for those affected by cancer.”
Further, government makes it clear that consumers should be incorporated into research plans, to the extent that they will be ineligible for funding if they are not.
Consumers who have had direct association with the VCCC since 1 January 2020 will be contacted in May and invited to undertake a new administrative process to keep track of their contribution.
Out-of-pocket expenses including public transport costs, private transport and parking expenses, training costs, accommodation and other incidentals will continue to be paid over and above this new, separate arrangement.
Dr Joanne Britto, VCCC Consumer Engagement Manager says, “Consumers are regularly involved in VCCC activities relating to research, education, clinical trials development and communications. We could not have achieved what we have without these partnerships and we are looking forward to incorporating a process that respectfully acknowledges the people who contribute much on our behalf.”
"We could not have achieved what we have without these partnerships and we are looking forward to incorporating a process that respectfully acknowledges the people who contribute much on our behalf.”
Dr Joanne Britto, VCCC Consumer Engagement Manager
For more information, contact VCCC Consumer Engagement Manager, Dr Joanne Britto
