about the program
The Consumer and Community Involvement Program (CCIP) facilitates partnership between consumers, community members and researchers.
It provides researchers with an invaluable perspective to the appropriateness, relevance and applicability of their research program. Consumers learn more about health research and are empowered to make informed choices about their health care.
Involving consumers and community members in the research process is an important step towards developing and delivering effective, person-centred health care.
CONSUMER ADVISORY GROUP
The program is guided by a Consumer Advisory Group (CAG), consisting of consumer advocates, researchers, research students and administrative support. The CAG meets quarterly to discuss research progress, activities within the CCIP and provides an opportunity for all consumer participants to bring any issues or concerns to the attention of OPUS for resolution.
There are currently no formal programs through which researchers can incorporate consumer experiences into research project design in the field of orthopaedic research in Victoria.
Our work at OPUS can only produce practical outcomes by engaging with consumers through the life of the research project cycle to ensure that research outcomes match community expectations.
why is it important
How does it work?
(A) recruitment
Participants from all backgrounds are invited to join the program. OPUS will maintain a support network for consumer members and researchers to ensure participants are engaged and kept abreast of progress.
(B) formal training
Upon recruitment to the program, participants will nominate their level of involvement, or Tier, dependent on their time commitment and research project interests. General training will be provided to all participants as a half-day orientation workshop into the consumer roles and responsibilities and medical research landscape.
(C) partnership
Once consumers nominate a tier, OPUS will facilitate the initial contact with a research team, and remain in constant contact with both parties. Consumers will be matched with a project and will henceforth primarily work in conjunction with the project’s investigators, rather than with the broader OPUS team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
OPUS welcomes interested members of the public with little-to-no scientific background, of any age and gender, to participate in osteoarthritis (OA)-related research projects Participation can cover research design to grant applications to feedback on research findings. OPUS is reaching out to participants who may have varying degrees of experience with OA: patients, carers for those with OA or even community members who are interested in health care in general.
Opportunity to advocate for the interests of consumers and present consumer views, values and concerns.
Learn about exciting new areas of medical research.
Network and collaborate with researchers, surgeons, physiotherapists, health economists and students.
Become an advocate for osteoarthritis awareness in the community.
Check out our document repository with links to everything consumers or researchers may need or simply get in touch with us below.
We welcome your questions and the opportunity to hear your thoughts on participating.
Don’t want to join the program but still want to stay in the loop?