The Recruitment and Retention Workgroup is an integral part of MOQC’s Patient and Caregiver Oncology Quality Council (POQC).
We continue to work towards creating awareness of POQC and its work to amplify the voices of patients and caregivers within quality improvement for cancer care.
We are excited to share a new video created by POQC. This engaging video highlights our mission and the incredible opportunities available within the POQC team for patients and caregivers who are interested in making a difference.
The POQC TEAM
(From left, Top row): Erika L, Michael D, Mark S, Mark A. H, Ayman M, (Middle row): Tammy C, Steve C, Marcie P, Richard G, Mike H, Joan G, Jerry B, Janet B, (Front row): Sharon K, Sheritha R, Michele D. C, Germaine S, Elise H, Manal Y
2024 Mission and Goals
Create Awareness and Foster Partnerships
So far in 2024, the Recruitment and Retention Workgroup has successfully recruited five new members. Each new member is asked to complete a demographics questionnaire, helping POQC to better understand membership and how to prioritize including more marginalized voices to decrease gaps in healthcare for those who need it the most.
During fall 2024, we plan to travel to regional events related to cancer, marginalized populations, or both. By setting up a POQC table at these events, we will share information with new people and recruit patients and caregivers. This strategy will help diversify our recruitment sources, moving beyond social media outreach and word-of-mouth referrals from practices, which tend to attract patients and caregivers who have faced fewer challenges in the healthcare system.
This will also help POQC foster closer connections with the organizations who host and participate with these events. Those connections and that knowledge can be shared with existing POQC members to continue creating a welcoming environment.
Amplify Voices and Provide Welcome
Promoting the existence and mission of POQC to a broader audience, including their goal of highlighting the experiences of marginalized patients and caregivers, will ensure that those voices and perspectives of marginalized populations are heard and valued.
To ensure that new members feel welcomed and supported, POQC is planning to develop educational sessions centered around familiarizing members with the challenges faced by marginalized groups. These sessions will not only educate but also foster empathy and understanding among our members.
Retention and Support
To support new members and give each new face a warm introduction, a mentorship group has been established. This group plays a crucial role in helping new recruits navigate their roles within POQC, offering guidance and making sure they feel valued and integrated into the POQC community.
An online community, The POQC Post, is being established, to give
patients and caregivers an open and friendly way to connect and ask questions, share experiences, and learn about quality improvement initiatives and opportunities.
Continual Improvement
Stay tuned for more updates on our progress and initiatives. Together, we can all make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and caregivers.