Elevating the Nursing Voice in Industry Partnerships

During the panel discussion, “Good Start Pharma! What Nurses, Patients and Patient Advocates REALLY Need,” the room was filled with candour and conviction.

Jemma shared data from Medicines Australia showing that nurses and nurse practitioners receive just 2% of total Health Care Professional payments from industry — despite being the largest and most trusted workforce supporting people with cancer every day.

Her message was clear:

• Engage nurses early in trial design, patient education and adherence programs so that protocols reflect actual clinical practice and work in the real world
• When nurses are part of the design process, patients are better supported, experience fewer complications, and respond more effectively to treatment.
• Nurses are valid and valuable stakeholders and patient advocates who bridge science and lived experience — ensuring therapies achieve their intended impact long after the prescription is written.

Jemma was joined on stage by CNSA Member and inspiration, Beth Ivimey OAM — a leader in cancer nursing and now a consumer advocate — whose perspective underscored the lived experience of people navigating cancer.

The audience was reminded that human connection remains central to the cancer journey:

Patients tell a nurse before anyone else — involve them from the start.

Special thanks to moderator Matthew Britland for guiding the discussion with warmth and insight, and to Next Pharma for inviting CNSA to contribute to this important national conversation. It was a conversation that reminded everyone: the patient journey starts - and succeeds - with genuine human connection and trust.

CNSA has established purposeful partnerships with industry and will continue to advocate on behalf of our members to ensure that future investments in nursing are strategic and meaningful; and deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes. Click here to find out more and set up a chat.