Introduction
Strengthening capability and co-design expertise in cancer care, research and policy is essential to improving cancer care and consumer experiences. Effective consumer engagement relies on informed and confident lived experience representatives and research partners. Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA) Seat At The Table (SATT) program transforms the consumer role, evolving it from individual patient perspectives to skilled Consumer Representatives (CRs). The program delivers insights for the broader cancer and health system and has been adapted for ovarian cancer CRs.
Methods
SATT training is delivered online and in person to equip CRs with knowledge and skills to represent diverse cancer perspectives and to understand the Australian healthcare system. Continuous development and support such as research updates, mentoring and health conference participation ensures a sustainable and highly skilled program that offers strong critical thinking and diverse insights. Training evaluations assess its effectiveness, ongoing CR participation is monitored via quarterly reporting and feedback from organisations who engage CRs for their projects/activities.
Impact
CRs contribute to more relevant and meaningful research proposals and co-design projects, and person-centered decision-making processes such as advisory groups and steering committees. Evaluations reinforce the importance of formal education to improve consumer graduates’ knowledge and confidence to represent diverse experiences. Organisations report CRs demonstrate strong communication skills including a willingness to speak-up, confidence in voicing opinions and ability to represent diverse perspectives.
Discussion
The SATT program effectively enhances the expertise and professionalism of consumers and establishes a network of valuable contributors to cancer research, policy and healthcare initiatives. CRs contributions extend beyond formal training by bringing insights based on diverse life and professional experiences. Embedding the voices of people with lived experience remains central to advancing cancer care and evidence-based policy. BCNA is well-positioned to strengthen the role of the research sector by upskilling and expanding consumer networks that foster meaningful co-design partnerships.