Background: In 2024, the VCCC Alliance received funding through the Cancer Patient Support Program to develop a National Educational Support Strategy for the regional cancer care workforce. Lived experience expertise was embedded throughout implementation to ensure educational content reflected patient, family, and carer perspectives essential to precision-informed, personalised cancer care.
Aim: To describe the engagement of lived experience expertise in the implementation of a National Education Support Strategy for the regional cancer workforce.
Method: Aligned with the VCCC Alliance Consumer Engagement Framework, lived experience expertise was prioritised from programme outset, with consumer advocates leading and partnering in design, implementation and evaluation. A nationwide Expression of Interest recruited representatives from regional, rural and remote Australia, ensuring the National Steering Group reflected workforce needs across diverse settings. Two lived experience leaders were appointed as Co-leads, alongside the VCCC Alliance’s Regional Research and Education Lead. Event chairs, presenters and organisers completed implementation feedback surveys to guide program refinement (n = 52).
Results: Eight Steering Group meetings convened 31 national leaders (January 2025–July 2026). The Expression of Interest yielded 19 successful applicants: 11 lived experience experts and 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health leaders. Steering Group representation comprised 11 regional, 9 rural, 1 remote, and 10 metropolitan members. Twelve educational events were delivered; all (100%) included lived experience expertise in Chair or Speaker roles. Of nine survey responses received, 57% were from consumer advocates. Respondents reported high levels of support during event coordination (71%), satisfaction with co-design and collaboration (71%), and felt their input was valued and contributed to outcomes (86%).
Conclusion: Lessons from this program highlight the value of prioritising lived experience expertise in regional cancer education design and delivery and demonstrates what lived experience experts identify as critical knowledge and skills for rural healthcare professionals, supporting iterative program design.