What will I learn?

Understanding of Cancer Clinical Trials

Consumers learn about clinical trials and cancer clinical trials research nationally and internationally, funding opportunities within Australia and the role of government and non- government organisations involved in cancer research. They understand about cancer specific clinical trials and the functions of the Cancer Cooperative Trial Groups (CCTGs). They consider the balanced contribution that a consumer perspective can make to a trial and reflect on the type of contribution they as an individual can make.^[NC1]

How Cancer Clinical Trials are conducted

Consumers learn about how clinical trials in cancer are conducted, the policies and regulations that govern cancer clinical trials and how they relate to, but are not limited to research ethics, safety reporting and stopping rules and trial management.

What learning modules are available?

• The History of Clinical Trials
• Aussie Rules: Guidelines and Legislation in Australia
• The Players in clinical Trials
• Intervention Development
• Why Clinical Trials?
• Clinical Trials Lifecycle
• What is clinical equipoise?
• Who pays? Funding clinical trial research

What will I learn?

Understand the context of 'informed consent'

Consumers learn about the legal nature and the elements of informed consent. They examine and explore the risks and costs associated with decision making, and appraise scenarios that may not fulfil the requirements of valid, competent and voluntary consent.

Critically appraise Cancer Clinical Trial participant information

Consumers examine and review participant information and consent forms, discuss and analyse the suitability of language, format and presentation as materials that are ‘easy to read’ are more acceptable to a potential research participant. Consumers use checklists that assist them identify ambiguous phrases, technical jargon and socially or culturally inappropriate language. Consumers develop appraisal skills that will assist them to decide if the aims of a study, the treatment schedule, side effects and, risks as set out in the protocol are consistent with the participant information.

Contribute to Cancer Clinical Trial scientific publication content

Consumers learn about the basic principles, processes and author responsibilities associated with scientific publications. They bring a ‘user’ perspective to the process and authorship and in doing so learn about the importance of a valid methodology and the rigors of data collection and recording.

Contribute to the dissemination of information to the broader community

Effective dissemination of research results requires communication to the broader community. Consumers develop skills in how to review and appraise lay summaries, publications and other documentation intended to communicate trial results and research findings.

Effective committee membership

Consumers appreciate and understand how research committees function, the importance of the committee process and the expectations of an effective committee member. They learn about the need to be organised, prepared and manage time effectively, prioritize and complete actions in agreed timeframes, comment on documentation and other responsibilities that are consistent with the committee terms of reference.

Effective interpersonal communication skills in meetings and committees

Consumers understand the need to develop effective written and verbal communication skills and the value of demonstrating appropriate interpersonal behaviour and professional conduct. Committee members with effective interpersonal skills are familiar with terminology of the CCTG specialty through using glossaries, and seeking clarification as required.

Supporting Capable Consumers

Consumers have knowledge from their own experience and not always as a patient. They are able to represent the views of others and ask key questions. They are motivated, informed and confident of being able to make a difference to the cancer clinical trial research process.

What learning modules are available?

• What is informed consent?
• What do we know about the consent process?
• Clinical Trial Participation
• Informed consent pathway an example
• What is a participant information sheet?
• The Role of the Consumer
• Consumers contributing to scientific publication content
• Consumer contribution to the dissemination of information to broader community
• Issues to consider when consumers are reviewing patient information sheets
• Roles consumers play in clinical trials : the value of consumer contribution
• Participating in Research Meetings
• The Capable Consumer

What will I learn?

Knowledge of Cancer

Consumers in CCTGs build on their knowledge of Cancer and specific types and further their understanding of the epidemiology of cancer.

Understanding of Cancer research design

Consumers learn about the fundamentals of cancer research design including basic statistical concepts and terms. They explore the concepts of randomisation, p values and measures as well as different types of cancer clinical research design.

What learning modules are available?

• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Cancer Research Study Design
• Weblinks, glossary and resources