Producing co-production: Reflections on the development of a complex intervention

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Community Pharmacy Interventions
• Public Health

Background:

• Patient and public involvement (PPI) and co-production are recognized but often misunderstood concepts in applied health research.
• Significant challenges and gaps exist in public involvement within alcohol research, particularly for non-dependence health issues.
• Clarifying the definitions and practical applications of PPI and co-production is crucial for effective research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the interpretation and implementation of patient and public involvement and co-production.
• To analyze their application within a multi-disciplinary research program focused on developing a complex intervention.
• To investigate the intervention's focus on alcohol and medicine use in community pharmacy settings.

Main Methods:

• Critical reflection on a grounded example of PPI translation into practice.
• Analysis of the intervention development phase within a publicly funded research program.
• Evaluation of the impact of PPI and co-production on the research program to date.

Main Results:

• Co-production introduces additional complexity to developing complex interventions.
• Publicly funded research planning requirements can limit co-production opportunities.
• Constraints may affect the stability and continuity of co-production efforts over time.

Conclusions:

• Translating patient and public involvement and co-production concepts into practice within complex intervention development presents unique challenges.
• The integration of co-production is influenced by research funding structures and planning requirements.
• Further exploration is needed to optimize the application and sustainability of co-production in health research programs.