The Partners in Recovery program: mental health commissioning using value co-creation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Services Research
• Health Policy

Background:

• The Australian Government's Partners in Recovery (PIR) program aimed to enhance mental health interventions through collaboration.
• Effective mental health service delivery requires multi-sectoral engagement and consumer involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the application of a value co-creation approach by Brisbane North Primary Health Network (PHN) for a PIR funding submission.
• To highlight the establishment and ongoing use of engagement platforms for co-creation in mental health.

Main Methods:

• A value co-creation approach was employed, involving over 100 organizations, partners, and end-users.
• A Consortium Management Committee was formed, initially with seven, later eight, provider agencies, including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organization.
• Engagement platforms were developed to facilitate ongoing co-creation.

Main Results:

• The collaborative development process led to co-created outcomes, including new initiatives and improved referral practices.
• Existing interventions were modified based on co-creation insights.
• There was an increased understanding and awareness of end-users' needs among participating organizations.

Conclusions:

• Value co-creation is an effective strategy for developing and improving mental health interventions.
• Multi-sectoral collaboration and sustained engagement platforms are crucial for successful mental health program implementation.
• The PIR program's collaborative model, facilitated by co-creation, enhanced service delivery and user-centricity.