Co-production in HIV research: a case study from the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Qualitative health research
• HIV research capacity building

Background:

• Co-produced research involves people with lived experience collaborating throughout the research process.
• Academic researchers partnered with Positively UK to train people living with HIV (PLWH) in research skills.
• The objective was to enhance the HIV community's capability to lead and facilitate future research projects.

Discussion:

• A qualitative study explored UK PLWH experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic from January to September 2021.
• Rigorous training in ethics, qualitative interviews, and emotional well-being was provided to co-researchers.
• Remote communication and an adaptive approach were essential due to pandemic-related unpredictability.

Key Insights:

• Building trust and managing stakeholder expectations are crucial for co-produced research.
• Reciprocal learning and amplifying all voices are vital for inclusive collaboration.
• Flexibility, continuous reflection, and impact beyond traditional outputs are key.

Outlook:

• Remote co-production is feasible, fostering meaningful partnerships and challenging power structures.
• Positive experiences can encourage future research participation for all stakeholders.
• Findings inform future research strategies for academic investigators and the wider community.