Evaluating the quality of research co-production: Research Quality Plus for Co-Production (RQ + 4 Co-Pro).

Area of Science:

• Knowledge generation partnerships
• Research quality assessment
• Co-production methodologies

Background:

• Co-production involves partnerships between researchers and end-users for knowledge generation.
• While co-production offers advantages, evaluating its quality remains a significant challenge.
• This gap hinders the full potential of co-production and those involved.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the relevance and utility of the Research Quality Plus for Co-Production (RQ+4 Co-Pro) evaluation framework.
• To develop and refine a novel approach for assessing the quality of co-production processes.
• To provide a practical tool for improving the evaluation of research co-production.

Main Methods:

• A co-production approach was used to develop study objectives and analysis strategies.
• A dyadic field-test design evaluated the RQ+4 Co-Pro framework with 18 subject matter experts.
• Data were collected via standardized templates and qualitative interviews, analyzed through thematic assessment and deliberative dialogue.

Main Results:

• The field test demonstrated strong support for the RQ+4 Co-Pro framework's relevance and utility.
• Participants provided feedback for refining the framework's language and criteria.
• All participants indicated RQ+4 Co-Pro could improve the evaluation and advancement of co-production.

Conclusions:

• Rigorous evaluation is essential for improving co-production and achieving better health outcomes.
• The RQ+4 Co-Pro framework offers a practical approach for evaluating co-production.
• Co-producers, funders, publishers, and universities are encouraged to adopt and adapt the RQ+4 Co-Pro framework.