In this episode of Consumer Health Partnerships, we speak with Debra Letica, former carer and citizen leader, and Dr Viktoria Stein from the International Foundation for Integrated Care, about the Citizens Leadership Research Project. They highlight the significant role of citizen leaders in co-creating integrated care systems and the impact of genuinely involving consumers in health care reform.

Debra shares her journey of becoming a citizen leader and how her personal experiences as a carer helped her advocate for better healthcare systems. Dr Viktoria Stein explains the origins of the Citizen Leadership Research Project, and their move to involve citizen leaders from around the globe. Both discuss the importance of genuine partnerships between health professionals and consumers, offering insights into how these relationships can enhance care delivery.

Key Takeaways: 

• • Importance of Inclusion: Including citizen leaders from the very start of the project to shape priorities and questions
  • Diverse Perspectives: Recognise that different communities want and need to be involved in various ways
  • Mentorship Value: Mentors play a crucial role in building confidence and guiding new citizen leaders
  • Collaborative Networks: Leverage existing networks and international collaborations to find and engage citizen leaders
  • Shared Challenges: Citizen leaders worldwide face similar barriers and motivations, reinforcing the universal need for integrated, consumer-driven care.