Embedding Multiperspective Reflections in Co-Producing a Training Intervention for Care Home Staff: Understanding...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Participatory Research

Background:

• Co-production enhances the relevance of research and interventions for target groups.
• A training intervention was co-produced to improve personal care for dementia patients in care homes.
• The study aimed to understand the co-production process and its impacts on all members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the diverse experiences and impacts of a co-production process.
• To identify facilitators and challenges in co-producing a dementia care training intervention.
• To inform future co-production initiatives in social care research.

Main Methods:

• A co-production group included care home staff, relatives, and researchers.
• The group met over 11 weeks, with input from care home residents and relatives.
• Weekly reflections and the model of small group development were used to analyze the process.

Main Results:

• Participants (staff, relatives, researchers) had distinct co-production journeys.
• Positive impacts included relationship development, skill enhancement, and personal growth.
• Challenges involved process intensity for researchers and time constraints for care staff.

Conclusions:

• Multiperspective reflections offer insights into differential impacts of co-production.
• Findings can guide researchers planning co-production, especially in social care.
• Consideration of potential negative impacts on care settings is crucial for successful co-production.