The role and value of co-production in creating a shared understanding and conceptual framework of compassion

This article outlines the philosophical and methodological principles and practices of co-production which we employed to co-construct a definition of compassion and conceptual framework of compassionate display.

Co-production workshops were designed to synthesise and integrate the findings from three different participant cohort focus groups: patients and carers, student therapeutic radiographers and therapeutic radiographers, providing each with a central and equal voice.

A co-produced definition of compassion and conceptual framework were created. The article considers co-production's role within qualitative research, with a focus on its relationship with participatory inquiry.

We outline the value of co-production across our research and reflect upon its strengths and weaknesses with the ambition to share our learning and provide recommendations for future researchers who wish to utilise this methodological approach for their own qualitative research.

Co-production can be employed as a methodological approach for research which aims to centralise the patient voice. Researchers should consider and account for the potential costs associated with co-production prior to any applications for funding.