On the rock, in a hard place: challenges in working with advocacy and care provider groups.
Researchers from Memorial University of Newfoundland collaborated with a patient advocacy organization and the provincial cancer care provider on a study showing substantial variation in out-of-pocket costs for patients travelling to access cancer treatment. While the partnered research phase of the study proceeded smoothly, the successful dissemination of the findings--and the resulting government and media interest--created pressure for the provincial cancer care provider. This agency distanced itself from the study and ended its role in what has proved to be an otherwise successful partnership.
Mathews
Maria
M
Health Policy/Health Care Delivery, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL. mmathews@mun.ca
Buehler
Sharon
S
West
Roy
R