Public Involvement Opportunity
Contribute your lived experience by joining the Lay Advisory Group for the
Challenges of Cancer and Disability Study (CoCaDS)
Deadline: 12 Midday on 25 May 2017
Please contact us before distributing this advert to other networks.
Who can get involved?
Adults with:
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A diagnosis of cancer, currently in remission or six months beyond
treatment.
A pre-existing physical disability (this could be, for example, as a result of
multiple sclerosis, arthritis, stroke, or spinal cord injury) but is not limited to
these disabilities)
Experience developing information and training resources (this is desirable
and not essential)
This opportunity is only open to members of the Health and Care Research Wales
Involving People Network.
If you are not a member but are interested in getting involved, please contact the Health
and Care Research Wales Public Involvement and Engagement Team who can give you
more information on joining the Network.
Who is the opportunity with?
School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University
Location
Cardiff (though contributions may be made remotely)
Background Information
The Welsh Government’s Cancer Plan states that services need to be planned and
delivered around the patient and their individual needs. However, there is evidence that
cancer patients with pre-existing physical disabilities experience both poorer care and
greater barriers to accessing care than those without a physical disability. This specific
group of cancer patients may be at a disadvantage but we know little about their needs.
This project aims to explore the experiences of adults with pre-existing physical
disabilities, who have had the additional experience of being diagnosed with cancer.
The study will focus both on any challenges such individuals may have faced and any
strategies they have employed to help them overcome them. The study team will
interview individuals from across Wales and will identify a priority list of needs which will
be further explored by project advisory groups.
Resources for awareness raising will be developed, for professionals and for patients.
The project is a partnership between people affected by cancer, clinicians and
academics, so the exact form of the training resources, tools and guidance will depend
on the findings. The resources might include on-line or hard copy information, patient
leaflets, virtual or face to face training.
What is required?
Two to three individuals to join the study’s Lay Advisory Group and be involved
throughout the project, which lasts for one year. The group will meet at least three times,
though the initial activity may be conducted remotely (via telephone, email, skype, for
example), and will involve commenting on ethics submission information, including the
study information for participants and consent forms.
The role of the Lay Advisory Group will be to advise the study’s Steering Committee at all
stages and to assist with study development and management, analysis and
interpretation of the data. Lay Advisory Group members also act as ambassadors for the
study, supporting study recruitment across Wales.
What support is available?
The study team will develop a robust support system for members of the Lay Advisory
Group, pairing them with a named person in the Steering Committee to advise on
research processes and governance.
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The study team will:
 Offer payment for time of up to £75 per pre-agreed involvement activity and per
meeting (people can request less if they are in receipt of state benefits).
 Cover reasonable travel expenses for the individual (and his/her carer if required).
Accommodation costs are not available.
Payment for time and expenses will be covered by Cardiff University and paid in
line with Cardiff University guidelines.
Please refer to the Health and Care Research Wales Guidance for people in receipt of
state benefits, which is available online
www.healthandcareresearch.gov.wales/network-member-resources/
How do I register my interest?
Please submit up to 250 words explaining why you would like to be considered for this
opportunity, listing any relevant experience.
Please submit this expression of interest to [email protected]
by 12 Midday on 25 May 2017.
Access to expressions of interest is secure, restricted and dealt with confidentially.
Alternatively, you can post your expression of interest to:
Public Involvement & Engagement Team, Health and Care Research Wales Support
Centre, Castlebridge 4, 15 – 19 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF11 9AB.
Next steps
The Public Involvement and Engagement Team is advertising this opportunity on
behalf of the opportunity lead (researcher and/or other professional) to find members
of the public to be involved in their work.
The Team will review and send on appropriate expressions of interest to the
opportunity lead (researcher and/or other professional).
You will be contacted either by the Team or by the opportunity lead (researcher
and/or other professional).
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Team at
[email protected] or on 02920 230457.
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