National Cancer Patient Experience Surveys showed that ethnic minority, lesbian, gay, bisexual and older people living with cancer had worse experiences in cancer services than other patients. They were also less likely to survive. 

We approached Macmillan Cancer Support to find out why. After spending two months in a bespoke online research community with 90 diverse cancer patients and 24 experts (e.g. healthcare professionals, diversity experts, academics), we identified a range of factors accounting for inequalities at different stages of the cancer journey – from prevention to end of life – in different communities.

An independent evaluation found that our approach was a powerful and cost-effective way to get rich insight into diverse patients’ lived experiences and unmet needs. It engaged experts and patients in peer learning and support, which meant that the community functioned as a form of training for practitioners and brought unintended therapeutic benefits for patients.

We had created a blueprint for digitally-enabled community-based support and care.

Accolades

2016 HSJ Innovation in Community, Primary, Secondary and Acute Care Service Redesign I Finalist

2016 MRS Healthcare Research I Finalist