Why do we need consumer participation?
It is well known that by actively participating in health care decisions, people can improve their health and quality of life outcomes. There is also growing evidence that the participation of health consumers in the health system leads to positive changes in services across a range of different settings.
Consumer participation refers to speaking on behalf of a patient in order to protect their rights and help them obtain needed information and services. As a consumer you have the right to speak out, to be heard, to voice your outlook on issues that affect you. Some may affect your quality of life and be particular to living with your chonic health problem, they may be shared by others with a chronic disease. If you have any doubt about the power of single voices united to achieve change, read ‘Winds of change: the patient as activist, which seeks to make the case patient activism is now part of the healthcare establishment, and argues it will become more pervasive and influential, and will shape future healthcare systems. HSCNews International, Issue 41, February 2008 (UK Publication)
Our Consumer Participation Council prioritised twenty four Principles of Optimal Care for Australians with CKD and clearly sets out your rights as an Australian with chronic kidney disease
How can you become involved?
At the most basic level, raising awareness of chronic kidney disease and its treatment happens when people with kidney disease talk about dialysis and their lifestyle with friends and family members. Sometimes people need to share their concerns and act together to increase the power of their voice. For this reason, Kidney Health Australia wants to know what issues are affecting people in the kidney community.
Maybe you just want to let us know about the issues you, a friend or family member are facing or perhaps you would like to help us work out a solution to these issues. There are lots of ways that you can provide feedback.
Join the Consumer Participation Committee in your state
Kidney Health Australia has Consumer Participation Committees in most states. These committees meet regularly and work towards resolving issues within their state. Each committee has representatives from a range of groups including people with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis or with a kidney transplant, carers, most nurses and kidney specialists.
The Chair of each state Committee meet on a regular basis to form the National Consumer Participation Council and their agenda deals with, and tries to make positive changes to, Australia-wide issues such as:
- Access to renal units and facilities
- Transport issues
- Transplantation waiting times
For more info about becoming a member, contact consumerparticipation@kidney.org.au
Utilise our Kidney Blog to speak out on issues that affect you as a member of the Australian kidney community. Have your say on any of the listed topics such as transport, organ donation and dialysis, as well as early detection and prevention. Your comments are regularly reviewed by Consumer Participation Committees so new issues can be addressed. Raising important issues and speaking out as an individual or as part of a group, is the first step to achieving change.
If you have an issue you feel our Consumer Participation Council should be aware of - email health@kidney.org.au or phone our Kidney Health Info Hotline 1800 682 531 to discuss how we might help.
Other Ways to Help - If you are interested in volunteering with Kidney Health Australia, read ... more>
Some useful links - Family and carers can find valuable information here ... more>
Useful Consumer Reference Weblinks
Regional and Rural Australia
National Websites
State-based sites
General Advocacy - global and local
|