Background and Context:
A new joint action to improve cancer control and survivorship started in Europe February 2014. The joint action, called CANCON, is co-funded by the European Union. For the 3-year programme a consortium was formed. Its members come from NGOs, governmental organisations, research institutes, universities and hospitals and other health care service providers. Joint actions aim to influence policy making.
Aim:
To communicate effectively among the CANCON members and stakeholders and to grow outreach and improve audience development.
Strategy/Tactics:
Overall implementation of external and internal communications and advocacy activities is based on network analysis. By using network approach we could identify the strength of a newly established CANCON network.
Programme/Policy Process:
Three year implementation period allows tactical aims annually. First year will be concentrating on internal communications, the second year will focus on outreach and the third year specifically to agenda setting. Strategic decisions will be based on analysing the network activity.
Outcomes/What was learned:
First network analysis indicated that CANCON network already existed based on earlier joint action. 66 pros. of respondents wanted more communication. Communication channels and frequency were identified. Universities were in the margin of the network. At the center communication relationships were dense and there were several knowledge brokers.