Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Understanding the value of codesign: exploring participant experiences  (#348)

Vicki Durston 1 , Sarah Dwyer 1 , Siobhan Dunne 1 , Victoria White 2
  1. Breast Cancer Network Australia, Richmond, VIC, Australia
  2. Deakin University , Melbourne , VIC, Australia

Introduction: The Australian Cancer Plan (ACP) emphasises the importance of co-design. Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) frequently collaborates with health professionals and consumers in co-design initiatives. Although codesign projects are increasingly reported, few studies have explored the experiences of participants. 

Aims: To assess participant experiences and BCNA’s approaches to deliver co-design projects that improve outcomes for people affected by breast cancer.  

  • Assess whether BCNA’s codesign approaches align with best practice.  
  • Build an evidence base for BCNA’s capability to deliver effective co-designed initiatives. 

Methods: Qualitative interviews with Lived Experience (LE) and External Stakeholder (ES) participants in two codesign projects; 1) development of a survey assessing BCNA information and support service needs for those with breast cancer and 2) a roundtable to progress advocacy to improve metastatic cancer data in Australia. A random sample were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematic analysis undertaken. Findings were compared to existing guidelines and principles for co-design.  

Results:  11 interviews (ES n=4; LE n=7) were conducted. Participants expressed strong support for and positive feedback on BCNA’s co-design approaches. Key themes included; 

  • the creation of a ‘safe space’ where participants felt heard and comfortable expressing their views.  
  • BCNA’s expertise in harnessing LE voices in their projects.  
  • The positive impact of involving LE participants in co-design process  
  • recognition of the costs and time required for effective codesign as barriers to future projects. 

Conclusions: Participating in codesign projects was a positive experience for LE and ES. The findings highlighted factors that contribute to successful codesign projects and confirmed that BCNA’s approaches adhere to best practice guidelines and principles. This research can help inform the codesign practices of other organisations ultimately, improving the planning, implementation and evaluation of cancer policy, research, and information services, thereby enhancing health outcomes for people affected by cancer