Poster Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Embedding Consumer Voices in Rural Cancer Research Programs: A Model for Equity-Driven Engagement  (126164)

Helena Rodi 1 , Skye Marshall 1 , Sophie Boffa 2 , Julie Parker 2 , Carolyn Becker 2 , Paul Ross 2 , Sharina Riva 1 , Hannah Jongebloed 1 , Laura Sergeant 1 , Charlene Wright 1 , Anna Ugalde 1
  1. Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia , Geelong, Victoria, Australia
  2. ECORRA National Consumer Program, Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia (ECORRA) National Consumer Program, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, Geelong, Victoria, Australia

Background 

Improving cancer outcomes for people in rural and remote Australia requires authentic engagement with those most affected. Consumer voices are essential to designing services that are relevant, accessible, and responsive. The Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia (ECORRA) research group at Deakin University leads a collaborative and strategic program aimed at improving cancer outcomes with diverse stakeholders. To embed consumer perspectives, ECORRA established the ECORRA National Consumer Program (NCP). 

Methods 
Guided by co-design principles, the program was developed through collaboration between academic researchers and consumer leaders. Two consumer Co-Chairs contributed to program design, member recruitment, and co-development of the NCP Charter. In 2024, ECORRA partnered with the Health Consumer Centre to disseminate a national call for expressions of interest (EOIs). Eligible members were individuals with recent lived experience of cancer, either as a patient or carer, while residing in rural or remote areas. Thirty-two complete EOIs were evaluated followed by individual online discussions. Member appointment recommendations were made by one Co-Chair and three ECORRA researchers. 

Impact on Practice 
In March 2025, 18 consumers were appointed to the ECORRA NCP. The second Co-Chair appointment was upon EOI of members in May 2025. The cohort comprised mainly older (n=12 aged >55), female (n=17), Caucasian (n=12), and highly educated (n=11) individuals, mostly from Victoria (n=11). The co-developed NCP Charter formalised a Consumer Engagement Strategy, Terms of Reference, and Compensation Policy, enabling structured and meaningful consumer participation in research focused on rural and remote equity. 

Discussion 
Establishing the ECORRA NCP highlighted the value of structured consumer engagement in rural health research and the potential to shape equitable, locally responsive cancer-care initiatives. Co-designed governance built trust and fostered shared ownership. The program is well positioned to influence research and policy, with long-term impacts expected through sustained consumer collaboration and ongoing evaluation.