A qualitative evaluation of coproduction of research: 'If you do it properly, you will get turbulence'

Worsley, Joanne Deborah, McKeown, Mick, Wilson, Timothy and Corcoran, Rhiannon ORCID: 0000-0001-8900-9199 (2022) A qualitative evaluation of coproduction of research: 'If you do it properly, you will get turbulence' HEALTH EXPECTATIONS, 25 (5). pp. 2034-2042. ISSN 1369-6513, 1369-7625

Text hex.13261.pdf - Published version Download (276kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Patients and public members are increasingly involved across the different stages of the research process. Their involvement is particularly important in the conception and design of applied health research where it enables people with lived experience to influence the aims, content, focus and methods. Objective: To evaluate the process of coproducing a mental health–related research proposal suitable for funding through a national health research funding body. Methods: Reflections from members of the public (n = 3) and academic researchers (n = 3) were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data were thematically analysed. Results: Thematic analysis identified five overarching themes: valuing the lived experience perspective; matching ambitions to the funded research process; ‘Us and them’: power, relationships and trust; challenges; and benefits of coproduction. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that for successful coproduction of a research funding application, an open and trusting atmosphere, where equal relationships are established and a shared common goal agreed is essential. Although relationships with research professionals were framed by trust and mutual respect for some public advisors, others felt a sense of ‘us and them’. With various tensions played out through interpersonal conflict, difficult conversations and disagreements, coproduction was not a positive experience for all stakeholders involved. Among the learning was that when collaboration of this kind is constrained by time or funding, genuine, impactful coproduction can be more challenging than is generally acknowledged.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	coproduction, involvement, lived experience, power, trust
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	17 May 2021 11:16
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 11:20
DOI:	10.1111/hex.13261
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3123043
Disclaimer:	The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate.