Citizens' juries as a model for amplifying lived experience in policymaking
The Specialist Cancer Charities Group (SCCG) has convened a citizens' jury to develop key recommendations for the Government on how to build sustainable cancer services that are fit for the future.
Citizens' juries offer a pioneering approach to policymaking, empowering individuals with lived experience to actively influence the policies that affect their lives. This report aspires to serve as a blueprint for meaningfully integrating patient voices into the policymaking process, encouraging government, policymakers, and charities to embrace this model in shaping healthcare policies.
The collaborative nature of the process - working together to develop solutions - was particularly interesting. It felt empowering to be part of a group with a shared goal of making a meaningful impact on cancer care, and it gave me hope that our collective input could not only help shape future policies, but improve the experience of individuals and their families for many years to come.
Sharon N. - Citizens' Jury Participant
Patients' priorities for sustainable cancer services
The SCCG commissioned Thinks Insights & Strategy to convene a citizens' jury on the topic of patients’ priorities for the future of cancer care in the UK.
A diverse group of 17 cancer patients came together to give expert testimonies, drawing on their lived experiences, and collaborate to develop recommendations for policymakers.
Jurors received presentations from experts, including from the Nuffield Trust, the Association of Cancer Physicians and the Institute for Fiscal Studies, on the current state of cancer care, the challenges faced, and potential policy options for future improvements.
Over the course of four weeks, the citizens' jury convened to explore key issues such as cancer diagnosis, innovation, health inequalities, mental health, and the fiscal constraints affecting UK cancer policy.
The jury has now delivered its recommendations, outlining priorities for building sustainable cancer services that are future-ready, including:
- Ensure people are diagnosed as early as possible by investing in education, screening and primary care.
- There should be equal cancer care for all – no matter who they are or where they live.
- There should be mental health support for all patients, and their families or carers.
- There should be better communication within the NHS and with cancer patients about their care.
About the SCCG
The SCCG is a coalition of leading cancer charities dedicated to increasing patient and healthcare professionals’ involvement in services to improve cancer outcomes. The SCCG aims to create an engaged patient and clinical community to drive critical changes to improve cancer outcomes in line with comparable other countries.
The coalition includes prominent charities such as Anthony Nolan, Blood Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Breast Cancer Now, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Sarcoma UK, Shine Cancer Support, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Young Lives vs Cancer.
