Building effective partnerships with healthcare professionals

At the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2024, a dynamic panel discussion explored the critical role of collaboration between bladder cancer patient organisations and healthcare professionals. Moderated by Dr Stephanie Demkiw, Co-founder of Bladder Cancer Awareness Australia, the session featured insights from Alex Filicevas, WBCPC Executive Director; Lauren Pretorius, CEO of Campaigning for Cancer and Melanie Costin, a bladder cancer patient and advocate from Fight Bladder Cancer and Adam Lynch, Founder of Beat Bladder Cancer Australia (via video). The conversation highlighted how meaningful partnerships with healthcare professionals can amplify advocacy impact and improve bladder cancer patient care long term.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the mutual benefit of collaboration. As Dr Stephanie Demkiw shared:

Healthcare professionals, whether they are urologists, oncologists, or nurses, are often the first point of contact for patients. By forging relationships with these professionals, advocates gain access to valuable networks, amplify awareness efforts, and deliver better peer support to people affected by bladder cancer.

Alex Filicevas shared how WBCPC strategically partnered with leading urologists through international societies such as the Societe International d’Urologie (SIU) and the European Association of Urology (EAU). These partnerships provided a platform to engage with global audiences, participate in guideline development, and establish a credible presence in professional conferences. Adam Lynch described Beat Bladder Cancer Australia’s strategic approach of collaborating with national nurse societies. Recognising nurses as key patient educators, his organisation developed tailored resources and accredited training programs for primary care and oncology nurses. This initiative raised the organisation’s profile and empowered nurses to better support patients with up-to-date information and practical guidance.

The session also provided practical insights for advocates looking to build similar partnerships. Suggestions included starting locally by identifying key specialists and approaching them through professional societies or practice networks. The panellists emphasised the value of attending medical conferences, with patient grants providing opportunities to meet healthcare professionals and introduce advocacy work. These events, as Melanie Costin highlighted, are “a unique opportunity to connect directly with healthcare professionals.” Advocates were also encouraged to focus on shared goals, demonstrating how partnerships can benefit healthcare professionals by raising their profile, involving them in research, or providing opportunities to engage directly with patients.

The panel discussion reinforced that collaboration is not just beneficial but essential for advancing patient advocacy. By working together, patient organisations and healthcare professionals can bridge gaps in care, improve access to resources, and ensure that no patient feels unsupported. As the session concluded, Lauren Pretorius left the audience with a powerful reminder: “Patient advocates bring a unique expertise to the table – the lived experience. Never underestimate the power of your perspective in shaping better care.”

Watch the full recording of the session, Collaboration in Action: Building Effective Partnerships with Healthcare Professionals, on the WBCPC YouTube Channel.