A Co-production Evaluation Tool Informed by Co-production Workshops for Use in Evidence Synthesis Contexts

We aimed to co-produce a tool for evaluating co-production within evidence syntheses.

Participatory approaches are recommended to enhance the salience and quality of evidence syntheses, and there is an increasing onus on co-producing evidence synthesis. Co-production is a way of working where research generators, beneficiaries and other interest holders work in equal partnership and for mutual benefit.

To develop our approach, we: Examined selected existing tools and frameworks that could be useful in evaluating co-productionDeveloped an initial tool that was then modified through input from co-production workshopsPiloted the tool and evaluation approach in a project as part of research involving co-producing a logic model to support evidence syntheses.

The existing tools guidance and resources we examined were deemed to be oriented towards supporting the conduct and reporting of co-production, rather than evaluating what happens and how. This provided a basis for co-producing a new tool. A new tool was developed that captures our perspectives on: positionality and expertise; motivations and expected benefits; clarity of role and expectations; project involvement and contributions; value and recognition; skills, knowledge, and personal growth; relationships and networking; comfort, support, and accessibility; and decision-making and power sharing. We reflected that the tool and process for administering the tool worked well, and we liked the process of collective sensemaking.

We believe that the tool (which we refer to as the STRAPS tool - Synthesising Through Reflection And Participatory Sense-making) could provide a useful resource and starting point to other review teams who wish to evaluate co-production in their reviews and encourage others to share their experiences with us.

Co-production enhances the quality of evidence syntheses. Use of the STRAPS tool can help reviewers unpack the process by which this happens using a standardised approach.