CAG Communiqué June 2024

Recognising strong evidence that patient centred care and consumer engagement contribute to important benefits for patients and carers, physicians, as well as to organisations, the Board established the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) in 2018 to represent the broad views of the community in the work of the College.

The CAG last met on Thursday, 20 June 2024 via Zoom.

Membership Update

Following the completion of maximum terms for two consumer representatives and resignations from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer representative and physician member, the CAG is recruiting for new members. An expression of interest for a Physician Member is now open. Members are encouraged to promote and share these among networks. Expressions of interest close on 31 July 2024.

The CAG extended its thanks to Ms Debra Letica, Dr Henry Ko, Ms Tania Brown, and Dr Tony Mylius AM for the time, energy, and commitment given during their respective terms.

Consultations

The CAG continues to provide input into internal and external consultations, with four requests received to date. We welcome the opportunity to assist all areas of the College in its work and are only too happy to come along to College body meetings to discuss the role of consumer advocates.

Engaging with CAG

The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies and looks forward to inviting Chairs of key committees to our meetings to learn more about College activities and how, as consumers and carers, we can work together to improve the care for patients across our two countries. If you would like a member of CAG to present and update your committee/group, please reach out to the email address below to connect with the secretariat.

Next CAG Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 29 August 2024. Please reach out to the CAG secretariat via consumers@racp.edu.au if you would like to engage with us.

CAG Communiqué February 2024 

The following Communiqué highlights the key topics discussed as part of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, Thursday, 15 February 2024 via Zoom.

Membership Update

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer representative, Tania Brown, resigned from the CAG after the February meeting and in May, two CAG members will have completed their maximum terms. Debra Letica (FRACP (Hon)) and Dr Henry Ko were founding members of CAG when it was first established in 2018. Both have thrown themselves into supporting College activities and providing a valuable consumer lens to many discussions. Our thanks go to all three for their advocacy skills.

Expressions of interest for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander consumer representative and two consumer representatives are open. Members are encouraged to promote and share these among networks. Expressions of interest close on 15 March 2024.

Engaging with CAG

The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies and looks forward to inviting Chairs of key committees to our meetings to learn more about College activities and how, as consumers and carers, we can work together to improve the care for patients across our two countries.

Next CAG meeting

The next CAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 20 June 2024. Please reach out to the CAG secretariat via consumers@racp.edu.au if you would like to engage with us.

Dr Tony Mylius                                  Debra Letica
Physician Co-chair, CAG                 Consumer Co-Chair, CAG

CAG Communiqué November 2023

The following Communiqué highlights the key topics discussed as part of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, held on Thursday 30 November 2023.

Policy & Advocacy Consultations

The CAG continues to provide input into internal and external consultations, with 13 requests received during 2023. We welcome the opportunity to assist all areas of the College in its work and are only too happy to come along to College body meetings to discuss the role of consumer advocates.

Health Care for People Who Need Extra Support Update

Current CAG consumer representative, Dr Rachel Skoss, presented the outcome of her research project earlier in 2023, “Health service use for people with disability living in supported accommodation – an intervention to improve health literacy in disability service organisations”. The project resulted in the development of a health literacy guide to support the health of people with a cognitive impairment or intellectual disability and broader project. The guide was funded by a Western Australia Department of Health Research Translation Project grant. Webinars are being scheduled shortly to promote the Health Literacy Guide and will be shared amongst College Committees.

Engaging with CAG

Members of CAG have been busy presenting to College bodies on the role of consumer advocates and the CAG. The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies interested in learning more about how we, as consumers and carers, can work together to improve the care of patients across our two countries. If you would like a member of CAG to present and update your committee/group, please reach out to the email address below to connect with the secretariat.

Please contact the CAG if you have any contributions or ideas that will assist the group at consumers@racp.edu.au.

Next CAG Meeting

Our next CAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 15 February 2024.

Dr Tony Mylius                                  Debra Letica
Physician Co-chair, CAG                 Consumer Co-Chair, CAG

CAG Communiqué August 2023

The following Communiqué highlights the key topics discussed as part of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, held on Thursday 24 August 2023.

Co-Chair awarded the Honorary Fellowship of the RACP (FRACP (Hon))

Ms Debra Letica

At its June 2023 meeting, the RACP Board approved the award of Honorary Fellowship of the RACP (FRACP (Hon)) to CAG Co-Chair, Ms Debra Letica. The Award of Honorary Fellowship is a prestigious appointment made by the RACP Board. It is awarded to distinguished or renowned members of the medical profession and other respected and acclaimed individuals.

Recipients are nominated by a Fellow or Fellows of the College, with the nominations being supported by a relevant College Board Committee. All nominations are referred to the College's Fellowship Committee for review. Once reviewed, the Fellowship Committee makes a recommendation to the Board for approval.

Ms Letica has been the Co-Chair of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) since May 2018, she sits on several other College and external bodies. In April 2018, Ms Letica received a Health Consumer Excellence Award for her commitment to improving health outcomes and patient experience. She has a strong interest in reducing health disparities and integrated care for people with disabilities, building collaborative teams and improving the health system.

The CAG congratulates Deb on this honour and looks forward to this being conferred in due course.

Engaging with CAG

Members of CAG have been busy presenting to College bodies on the role of consumer advocates and the CAG. The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies interested in learning more about how we, as consumers and carers, can work together to improve the care of patients across our two countries.

If you would like a member of CAG to present and update your committee/group, please reach out to the email address below to connect with the secretariat. Please contact the CAG if you have any contributions or ideas that will assist the group at consumers@racp.edu.au.

Next CAG meeting

Our next CAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 16 November 2023.

Dr Tony Mylius
Physician Co-chair, CAG

CAG Communiqué May 2023

The following Communiqué highlights the key topics discussed as part of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, held on Thursday 18 May 2023.

Policy & Advocacy Consultations

The CAG continues to provide input into internal and external consultations, with eight requests received to date. We welcome the opportunity to assist all areas of the College in its work and are only too happy to come along to College body meetings to discuss the role of consumer advocates.

Welcome to our new CAG member

We have been fortunate to have a strong group of core consumer/carers since the formation of the CAG; however, as time moves on, some of our members have had too as well. Following an expression of interest (EOI) process to appoint a new consumer representative, we are pleased to announce and introduce our new CAG member.

Ms Jodi Adams

Jodi is a consumer representative with the National Register of Palliative Care Consumers and Carers. She is an active member in several advisory groups in the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Jodi has a role as a volunteer Peer Support Leader for her eastern metropolitan SWAN (Syndromes Without a Name) families, facilitating social gatherings for caregivers and families. Jodi has extensive lived experience with her daughter who had a rare life limiting condition across a range of healthcare settings including Complex Care and Palliative Care.

Jodi participated in an interview sharing her personal story for the Australian Paediatric Palliative Conference in 2022. She is an advocate for supporting the whole family when their child has ongoing medical needs and is passionate about improving accessibility to services and support for carers and their families, particularly those under palliative care and continued beyond in bereavement.

Engaging with CAG

Members of CAG have been busy presenting to College bodies on the role of consumer advocates and the CAG. The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies interested in learning more about how we, as consumers and carers, can work together to improve the care of patients across our two countries.

If you would like a member of CAG to present and update your committee/group, please reach out to the email address below to connect with the secretariat. Please contact the CAG if you have any contributions or ideas that will assist the group at consumers@racp.edu.au.

Next CAG meeting

Our next CAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 24 August 2023.

Dr Tony Mylius                                  Debra Letica
Physician Co-chair, CAG                 Consumer Co-Chair, CAG

CAG Communiqué November 2022

The following Communiqué highlights the key topics discussed as part of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, held on Thursday 17 November 2022 (via Zoom).

The CAG was advised that Ms Lynda Whiteway had stepped down from the Group and expressed their thanks for the contributions and experience she brought to the meetings. An expression of interest for a new consumer representative will be posted in the new year.

College Research Committee Update

The CAG received an update on from the College Research Committee (CRC), including its current activities and priorities. The CAG was pleased to note that consumer representation is welcomed on the CRC.

Health Care for People Who Need Extra Support Update

Current CAG consumer representative, Dr Rachel Skoss, presented the outcome of her research project, “Health service use for people with disability living in supported accommodation – an intervention to improve health literacy in disability service organisations”. The project resulted in the development of a health literacy guide to support the health of people with a cognitive impairment or intellectual disability and broader project. The guide was funded by a Western Australia Department of Health Research Translation Project grant.

Engaging with CAG

The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies and looks forward to inviting Chairs of key committees to our meetings to learn more about College activities and how we, as consumers and carers, can work together to improve the care for patients across our two countries.

Next CAG meeting

Our next CAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 16 February 2023 (via Zoom).

Please contact the CAG if you have any contributions or ideas that will assist the group at consumers@racp.edu.au

Dr Tony Mylius                                  Debra Letica
Physician Co-chair, CAG                 Consumer Co-Chair, CAG

CAG Communiqué August 2022

The following Communiqué highlights the key topics discussed as part of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, held on Thursday 25 August 2022 (via Zoom).

Welcome to our new CAG members

We have been fortunate to have a strong group of core consumer/carers since the formation of the CAG; however, as time moves on, some of our members have had too as well. Following an expression of interest (EOI) process to appoint a new Physician Co-Chair, we are pleased to announce and introduce our new CAG member.

Dr Anthony Mylius AM, Physician Co-Chair

Dr Tony Mylius AM BMBS FRACP FCSANZ FCHSM is a Cardiologist and Consultant Physician. He has worked in Clinical Cardiology for well over 25 years previously in Adelaide and New Zealand, and now in Western Australia since 2003, predominantly in regional and rural practice.

Tony is motivated by his passion to work to achieve improved health outcomes for patients across the health system. He has a desire to optimise health service performance through supporting and empowering health consumers, as well as clinicians and other health care providers, to achieve those best practice goals.

He was Co-Chair (with Professor Nick Buckmaster) of the Integrated Care Working Group of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Health Reform Reference Group which developed the Model of Chronic Care Management endorsed by the RACP. Tony is a member of the RACP WA State Committee and has served in other roles including as a member of the College Policy and Advocacy Executive Committee and Health Reform Reference Group. He has continuing involvement with the WA Country Health Service in strategic planning around health service provision and regional cardiology services.

In 2020 Tony was awarded the Order of Australia for ‘Significant service to community health, and to cardiology.” From 2010-2013 he worked as Regional Medical Director for the WA Country Health Service (Wheatbelt) and was a member of the WA Department of Health Cardiovascular Health Network’s Executive Advisory Group 2012 to 2019. In 2015 Tony was appointed Clinical Co-Lead of the Cardiovascular Health Network in the WA Health Department. In 2017 he was appointed a member of the Clinical Senate of WA. He previously taught medical students as Medical Coordinator in the Rural Clinical School of WA.

Update on the Evolve Strategy 2022–2026

The Manager, Policy and Advocacy provided the CAG with an update on the draft Evolve 2022–2026 Strategy, noting that consumers are an important stakeholder in health system advocacy. GPs and specialists often cite patient expectations as a major driver of low-value care. The CAG met with the Evolve team in 2019 and 2020 to discuss areas for consumer involvement in the program. The key area that has been identified has been incorporating the consumer perspective into resources on the importance of shared decision making to reduce low-value practices and involvement in any work on equity and low-value care. The CAG looks forward to a further update once the Evolve 2022–2026 Strategy has been finalised.

Accreditation Renewal Program Update

The Manager, Training Accreditation Services provided the CAG with an update on the implementation of the accreditation renewal program. The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies and looks forward to inviting Chairs of key committees to our meetings to learn more about College activities and how we, as consumers and carers, can work together to improve the care for patients across our two countries.

Next CAG meeting

Our next CAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 17 November 2022 (via Zoom).

Please contact the CAG if you have any contributions or ideas that will assist the group at consumers@racp.edu.au

Dr Tony Mylius                                  Debra Letica
Physician Co-chair, CAG                 Consumer Co-Chair, CAG

CAG Communiqué May 2022

The following Communiqué highlights the key topics discussed as part of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, held on Thursday 26 May 2022.

The Co-Chair welcomed our two new members to the CAG, the meeting opened with a round table introduction by all. It was the first time since the pandemic that the CAG has been able to meet face to face.

Welcome to our new CAG members

We have been fortunate to have a strong group of core consumer/carers since the formation of the CAG; however, as time moves on, some of our members have had too as well. Following an expression of interest (EOI) process to appoint new consumer representatives, we are pleased to announce and introduce our new CAG members.

Lynda Whiteway, consumer representative (SA)

Lynda (Lyn) is a health consumer advocate sitting on State, National and International committees. She is also involved in the research sector and is a Consumer Advisory Board member at FHMRI (Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute), CAC Member at The George Institute, and Consumer Representative on the Global Steering Committee of the SNAP (Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Trial). She believes consumer's health literacy is as important as consumer directed care and works with her peers to ensure this is embedded in all aspects of health care.

Tania Brown, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander representative (NSW)

Tania was born and raised in Canberra, Ngunawal and Ngambri country, and is a proud descendent from the Wonnarua Nation, Hunter Valley NSW. Tania has worked within Aboriginal Affairs for over 29 years and is committed to working towards prevention and better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and working towards eliminating the health disparities within Australia's mainstream health services and advocating for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

Update from the Kids Covid Catch Up Campaign Update

The Manager, Policy & Advocacy provided CAG with an update on the Kids COVID Catch Up Campaign, which evolved from the RACP Child Health Advocacy Strategy 2022–25. The key focus areas of the campaign include:

1. Strengthening whole-of-government planning and accountability for child health outcomes.
2. Promoting healthy relationships: parental, child and adolescent mental health.
3. Enhancing access to quality early childhood education.
4. Promoting healthy nutrition and oral health.

Education Renewal Update

The Acting Executive General Manager, Education, Learning and Assessment provided the CAG with an update on the RACP Education Renewal Program. The education renewal program of work comprises a series of significant interrelated projects that will be delivered over coming years, the update provided included:

1. entry into training
2. Indigenous initiatives
3. curricula renewal
4. re-implementation of Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
5. trainee resources including the College Learning Series (CLS)
6. supervisor training
7. accreditation renewal

Next CAG meeting

• Thursday, 25 August 2022 (via Zoom)

The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies and look forward to inviting Chairs of key committees to our meetings to learn more about College activities and how we, as consumers and carers, can work together to improve the care for patients across our two countries.

Debra Letica
Consumer Co-chair, CAG

CAG Communiqué February 2022

The following Communiqué highlights the key topics discussed as part of the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) meeting, held on Thursday 24 February 2022.

Welcome to our new CAG members

We have been fortunate to have a strong group of core consumer/carers since the formation of the CAG; however, as time moves on, some of our members have had too as well. Following an expression of interest (EOI) process to appoint new consumer representatives, we are pleased to announce and introduce our new CAG members.

Rachel Skoss, consumer representative

Rachel is a researcher of health services, with a focus on building health literacy in consumers and caregivers, and how health services can better meet the needs of people with disability. She is a passionate advocate for people with intellectual disability. Rachel's understanding of the interface between health, mental health, and disability sectors comes from lived experience parenting a child with disability, and from various governance and committee roles in those sectors.

Zehnab Vayani, consumer representative

Zehnab has a passionate commitment in working collectively with others to improve healthcare in Queensland. She has a keen interest in, and advocates for, healthcare services being more accessible, holistically focused, and better integrated around the needs of health consumers and their families by actively taking a social determinants of health focus that is informed by her own family lived experience of complex health care across a number of care settings. She is a champion for co-designed innovation in healthcare that balances ethical considerations around health consumer and career human rights, quality, safety, and accessible information to inform advances in personalised healthcare and medicine. Outside of her studies and health consumer roles she is a mother of two girls and lives with her family on the Gold Coast. Zehnab is an actively engaged health and consumer advocate.

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Physician Co-chair

The CAG is a unique College body being comprised largely of non-members. There is one position for a physician Fellow to be the Co-chair. If you are interested in this, please complete the EOI available on the College’s Expressions of Interest webpage.

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Update from the College Education Committee

The Chair of the College Education Committee (CEC), Associate Professor Mitra Guha, provided CAG with an overview of the CEC and its activities. CAG was informed that trainees are equipped with the tools to deal with a variety of patients (e.g., culturally and linguistically diverse, LGQTI+) who will challenge their ideas as practitioners. There is a need to ensure that trainees are sufficiently trained, prepared, resourced.

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Next CAG meeting

• Thursday, 26 May 2022 (face to face, Sydney office)

The CAG is committed to working with the College and College bodies and look forward to inviting Chairs of key committees to our meetings to learn more about College activities and how we, as consumers and carers, can work together to improve the care for patients across our two countries.

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Debra Letica
Consumer Co-chair, CAG