The development and evaluation of a collaborative model for Consumer Research Panels in Cancer Research Networks

2004 Conference

The involvement of consumers in research is an increasingly important ethical and political priority. However, within Cancer Research Networks initiatives to involve consumers are at present unco-ordinated and existing links need to be developed to establish ways of building sustainable programmes of involvement. This paper will report on a joint initiative by the National Cancer Research Network and Macmillan Cancer Relief to establish Consumer Research Panels in three Cancer Research Networks ? Humber and Yorkshire Coast, Central South Coast and Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire. This collaboration will facilitate consumer involvement locally and regionally and help reinforce national initiatives. In this way, consumers will be able to be involved at all stages of the research process and at all levels. If successful, the initiative can be rolled out to the other Research Networks. The project will be independently evaluated by a team from the Patient and Public Involvement Research Unit, at Worthing and Southlands Hospital. Consumers are represented on the Project Steering Group and also in a Reference Group that will inform the evaluation.