Evidence Values and Priority Setting Methods in Cancer Control

The overarching goal of this study is to develop a framework to combine evidence and public values to set priorities for cancer control programs (including prevention, screening, treatment and palliative/supportive care). Its objectives are to: (a) develop better methods for identifying, interpreting and applying evidence in different cancer control decision-making contexts; and (b) better understand if, when, and how public engagement and public values should play a part in priority setting processes for cancer control.

The overarching goal of this study is to develop a framework to combine evidence and public values to set priorities for cancer control programs (including prevention, screening, treatment and palliative/supportive care). Its objectives are to: (a) develop better methods for identifying, interpreting and applying evidence in different cancer control decision-making contexts; and (b) better understand if, when, and how public engagement and public values should play a part in priority setting processes for cancer control. The study will consist of five phases:

1. Refining an existing model for evidence-based decision making to focus on cancer control, and to explicitly incorporate public values;
2. Conducting a national survey of cancer control decision-makers, focusing on how evidence and public values are used in priority setting;
3. Conducting in-depth case studies of current cancer control priority setting processes in two Canadian provinces, to explore how evidence and public values should be combined when setting priorities for cancer control;
4. Conducting pilot public engagement exercises in two Canadian provinces; and
5.     Developing a decision-support tool for priority setting processes in cancer control.

The study will provide specific guidance for BC decision makers on how to integrate evidence and public values in their own priority setting and resource allocation processes. The study will be based at the Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control (ARCC), and carried out by a highly experienced team of researchers and decision-makers from British Columbia and Ontario.