GRICS Consumer Participation Kit

Consumer Participation
Information Kit
2010
Prepared by: Michelle McKimmie
GRICS Cancer Services Improvement Coordinator
Endorsed by: The GRICS Consumer Reference Group February, 2011
The GRICS Business Group January, 2011
The GRICS Governance Group February, 2011

GRICS VISION
We will be the leader in the collaborative, innovative and
regional coordination of cancer services, to ensure accessible
and quality care that will continuously improve the
experience and treatment outcomes of every person with
cancer across Gippsland.
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CONTENTS
1. PURPOSE OF THE KIT ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
2. DEFINITIONS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
3. INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Services (GRICS) – Background
Information …………………………………………………………………………………..……..…….. 5
Gippsland Region – The Facts ………………………………………..…………………….……… 6
Gippsland Cancer Data ……………………………………………….………………………….…… 6
4. CONSUMER PARTICIPATION ……………………………………………………….……………………..…… 8
5. GRICS CONSUMER REFERENCE GROUP …………………………………………………………………… 9
Membership …………………………………………………………………………………….…………. 9
Accountability …………………………………………………………………………………………... 10
General Information ……………………………………………..………………………………..… 10
Membership Selection Criteria ……………………………………………………………….…. 10
Terms of Reference, Agenda and Minutes ………………………………………………… 11
Nominations………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Successful Applicants ……………………….…………………………………………………….…. 12
6. REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
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PURPOSE OF THIS KIT
This Kit has been produced by the Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS) to
assist consumers wishing to participate in the GRICS Consumer Reference Group gain an
understanding of the importance of, and the requirements of the role.
Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact
Michelle McKimmie on: Phone: (03) 5128 0138
Email: mmckimmie@lrh.com.au
DEFINITIONS:
Consumers – are patients, their carers, their family, and their friends. They are people living
within a community who use the health service or will use the health service within their
community. They are people who are interested in seeing that the health services provided
are accessible, safe and meet the community’s needs (Health Issues Centre, 2005).
Carers – are family and friends providing unpaid care to consumers. Carers may receive a
government benefit or allowance.
Communities – are defined as groups of citizens who have interests in the development of
an accessible, effective and efficient health service that best meets their needs.
Consumer participation – encourages consideration and debate through processes that
allow people to be involved in decision making about their health care and that of the
community. Through involvement, decisions are made that may accommodate a range of
perspectives (Department of Human Services, 2007).
Stakeholders – a person, group or organisation that has a direct or indirect stake in an
organisation because it can affect or be affected by the organisation's actions, objectives
and policies.
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INTRODUCTION
Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Services (GRICS) – Background Information
The Integrated Cancer Service (ICS) is a partnership between health services and the
Department of Health established to be the platform on which improvements in cancer
service delivery and patient care could be implemented, within a specified geographic
region.
GRICS was formed in October 2004 and brings together a range of individuals with the
ability to influence the development and implementation of evidence-based policy. Services
include public hospitals, community-based services, general practitioners, private hospitals
and supportive care services. Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) is the host agency for GRICS
and currently 17 member health services have signed the GRICS Memorandum of
Understanding. GRICS has embraced the vision, philosophy and objectives of the Cancer
Services Framework for Victoria, launched by the State Government in November 2003.
GRICS does not hold any authority over individual cancer treatment facilities, and can only
lead change through the fostering of strong partner relationships.
The key principles of the Cancer Services Framework for Victoria include;
• An integrated approach to service delivery, which focuses on the right treatment and
support for patients, as early as possible;
• Hospitals working together, with community/primary care services to develop
integrated care for the populations they serve;
• More effective local coordination of care for cancer patients;
• A rational approach to cancer service planning and delivery; and
• Improved survival and quality of care for cancer patients in Victoria.
Specifically GRICS aims to improve cancer outcomes and the efficiency of cancer services by;
• Identifying the needs and expectations of health services and individuals;
• Acknowledging the consumer experience, and promoting active consumer participation
to help shape optimal cancer services;
• Harnessing existing resources;
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• Working towards attracting additional resources to the Gippsland region;
• Collaborating with partnership health organisations to achieve the targets as outlined
within Victorian Cancer Action Plan;
• Working in collaboration with the stakeholders.
Gippsland Region – The Facts
Figure 1. Gippsland Region with Distances from Latrobe Regional Hospital
The Gippsland region covers over 18 per cent of the State;
The total Gippsland population is estimated to be around 255,000 persons (2008),
accounting for approximately 4.8 per cent of Victoria’s population;
There are six local government areas; Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, Latrobe,
South Gippsland and Wellington;
Overall, the population is expected to grow over the next two decades, with the fastest
growth in Bass Coast;
The population in the over 65 year age group is expected to more than double before
2031 across Gippsland.
Gippsland Cancer Data
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Victoria and in Gippsland there are about
615 cancer related deaths per year. Some 59 per cent of the cancer related deaths were
men (2005-2007);
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A gradual increase in the number of new cancers diagnosed in Gippsland has occurred.
(See Figure 2 below).
The number of new cancers diagnosed among Gippsland residents was 1,516 in 2007
(6.0 per cent of all new cancers diagnosed in Victoria);
This is an increase of 34 per cent from 1,128 in 1996
Males accounted for 59 per cent of new cancer cases;
Based on current trends we can expect to see about 1,797 new cancers in Gippsland by
2015 and 2,343 by the year 2030.
The five most common new cancers in Gippsland (2005-2007) were:
• Genito-urinary (relating to the genital and urinary organs of the body or their functions)
– mainly prostate: 21 per cent,
• Colorectal (relating to the bowels and the rectum): 15 per cent,
• Breast: 11 per cent,
• Lung: 11 per cent and
• Skin (melanoma): 19 per cent.
(See Figure 3 on Page 8).
Figure 2. Number of new cancers in Gippsland each year, 1996 until 2007.
Number of new cancers
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
1,128 1,147 1,188 1,186 1,248 1,295 1,327 1,270
1,486
1,516
1,444 1,432
200
0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Source: Victorian Cancer Registry 2010.
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Figure 3. Number of new cancers for the top five tumour streams in Gippsland,
1996 -2007.
Source: Victorian Cancer Registry 2010.
(Further information can be obtained from the GRICS Website: www.gha.net.au/grics)
CONSUMER PARTICIPATION
Consumers can provide unique and valuable insights into health care due to their
experiences of using the health system as a patient, client or carer and as members of a
community who understand what is happening within their community and what
community members might value.
Consumer participation acknowledges and values the input of patients, carers and
community members who have experienced the cancer journey and/or have accessed local
health services. Under the Cancer Services Framework for Victoria each ICS needs to
actively involve consumers as “partners in health care service planning and delivery”. A key
role of the ICS is to develop systems and processes to support the involvement of
consumers, carers and community members in achieving their goals and priorities.
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The current priority of GRICS is to develop a Consumer Participation Plan which will identify
how consumer, carer and community views will be integrated into GRICS planning and
policy development. Specifically the Consumer Participation Plan will identify:
• what participation means within GRICS;
• how the plan will be achieved;
• who has responsibility for implementing activities within the plan;
• how the outcomes of the plan will be reported.
In addition GRICS is also planning to establish a Consumer Reference Group which will be
active before the end of 2010.
GRICS CONSUMER REFERENCE GROUP
Membership
Please note that Reference Group members will be selected on the basis of how well they
are able to represent the diversity of the community and their community networks and
contacts, to ensure that information and knowledge is widely distributed.
GRICS is committed to ensuring that the Consumer Reference Group is a positive,
information sharing partnership in which all members will be:
Welcomed and accepted as partners with GRICS;
Provided with information and/or training, as required, to assist them in fulfilling their
duties and contributing to the group;
Given an equal opportunity to have their opinions heard;
Acknowledged for their contribution;
Provided with clear guidance as to what they will be required to do as part of the group;
Supported by a member of the GRICS Secretariat;
Administrative duties will be undertaken by a member of the GRICS Secretariat.
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Accountability
Consumer Reference Group will be responsible to the GRICS Business Group.
The Consumer Reference Group Chair will submit a written summary of activities to the
GRICS Business Group quarterly (March, June, August, November) and the GRICS
Governance Group annually (November).
The GRICS Managers will provide a quarterly summary of GRICS activities to the
Consumer Reference Group (April, July, October, December).
General Information
Consumer Reference Group members will:
Have fixed term appointments for one year. There will be some flexibility at the
discretion of GRICS;
Be eligible to nominate for additional fixed term appointments;
Attend meetings – the frequency and location to be determined by the Consumer
Reference Group members;
As a general rule, not be financially disadvantaged for participating on the GRICS
Consumer Reference Group. Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
including travel costs shall be paid in accordance with Latrobe Regional Hospital policies.
Membership Selection Criteria
Membership is open to all individuals who meet the following criteria:
Live in Gippsland;
Reflect the diversity of the community;
Have had cancer or have cared for someone with cancer;
or
Are a health care professional working with cancer patients;
Have a demonstrated ability to positively contribute to the completion of a project.
Consumer Reference Group members should have the following skills:
Team Building:
Listen to and build on the ideas of others;
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Demonstrate respect for the opinions of others;
Put the good of the Consumer Reference Group above personal needs;
Encourage the resolution of conflict;
Help establish shared goals.
Flexibility
Be open and adaptable to new ideas and ways of doing things;
Recognise the merits of different viewpoints and act appropriately.
Interpersonal Skills
Respect individual’s right to privacy;
Adhere to the Latrobe Regional Hospital’s Confidentiality Policy;
Relate well to and build rapport with people at all levels;
Listen to and assimilate information from others;
Use diplomacy and tact;
Present information in a manner appropriate to the purpose and target
audience.
Terms of Reference, Agenda and Minutes
Terms of Reference, Agenda’s and Minutes for the Consumer Reference Group will comply
with the Latrobe Regional Hospital “Committee Terms of Reference, Agenda and Minutes
Policy” and will use the prescribed templates.
Terms of Reference will be:
Drafted by a member of the GRICS Secretariat for the Consumer Reference Group;
Ratified by all the Consumer Reference Group members as a consensus;
Endorsed by the GRICS Governance Group;
Circulated to all Consumer Reference Group members with the first agenda following
endorsement;
Reviewed annually by the Consumer Reference Group.
Agenda and Minutes will be:
Circulated to members, by GRICS prior to meetings.
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Nominations
To nominate to become a member of the GRICS Consumer Reference Group, please
complete the attached nomination form.
Nominations will close on (insert date).
Please note that Consumer Reference Group members will be selected on the basis of how
well they are able to represent the diversity of the community and their community networks
and contacts, to ensure that information and knowledge is widely distributed.
Successful Applicants
Successful applicants will be contacted in writing.
If you are successful in your nomination to become a member of the GRICS Consumer
Reference Group you will be required to:
Familiarise yourself with the Latrobe Regional Hospital Confidentiality Policy
Sign a Latrobe Regional Hospital Confidentiality Compliance Statement
Complete a current police check
Costs will be covered by Latrobe Regional Hospital
GRICS and Latrobe Regional Hospital Employment Services will assist with
processing the application
All relevant paperwork will be forwarded to you upon successful nomination.
REFERENCES
1. Department of Human Services (2007): A Guide To Enhancing Consumer and Carer
Participation in Victoria’s Integrated Cancer Services.
2. Department of Human Services (2003): A Cancer Services Framework for Victoria.
3. Health Issues Centre (2005): Getting Involved – A Kit for Consumers Interested in
Joining the Consumer Nominee Program.
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GRICS CONSUMER REFERENCE GROUP NOMINATION FORM
NAME: _____________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________
POSTAL ADDRESS (If different to above):__________________________________________
TELEPHONE: BUSINESS: ___________________________ HOME: ___________________
MOBILE: ____________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS (If applicable): _________________________________________________
ARE YOU AN ABORIGINAL OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER? □ Yes □ No
ARE YOU FROM A NON ENGLISH SPEAKING BACKGROUND? □ Yes □ No
WHICH LANGUAGE? __________________________________________________________
• Please provide a brief outline about why you would like to become a member of the
GRICS Consumer Reference Group:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
• Please describe some of the local services or community activities that you have been
involved with in the past or are currently involved with (if any):
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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• Please provide details of projects that you made a positive contribution to during your
involvement with these services or groups:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
• Please provide details of your special interests and skills:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
• Please tick which group (s) you will best be able to represent on the GRICS Consumer
Reference Group: (Tick as many as are relevant)
□ Cancer Patients – if yes, what type of cancer? ________________________________
□ Cancer Support Group – which group? ______________________________________
□ Health Professional – which group? ________________________________________
□ Carers
□ Community
□ Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders
□ Non English Speakers
• If you are unsuccessful in your nomination to the GRICS Consumer Reference Group
would you consent to your contact details being placed on a register should other
opportunities arise which require consumer assistance : □ Yes □ No
• If yes, would be interested in participating in:
□ Reviewing GRICS information material
□ Participating in a Focus Group
□ Being on a Working Party
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Should you need any assistance with completing this form please telephone
Michelle McKimmie on 51280059 or email: mmckimmie@lrh.com.au
Nominations close the on (insert date).
Forward the completed nomination form to:
Michelle McKimmie
Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service
P.O Box 424
Traralgon Vic 3844.
Telephone: (03) 51280059
Fax: (03) 51280198.
Email: mmckimmie@lrh.com.au
Please note that reference group members will be selected on the basis of how well they are
able to represent the diversity of the community and their community networks and
contacts, to ensure that information and knowledge is widely distributed.
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