Co-production: Using Qualitative and Mixed Methods

Co-production requires individuals/patients/end-users and communities to be experts in their own circumstances and capable of making decisions, while professionals move from being fixers to facilitators; thus, co-production requires authentic engagement. This necessitates researchers developing new relationships with individuals/patients/end-users and communities. This partnership approach to research equitably involves individuals/patients/end-users, communities and researchers in all aspects of the research process. All partners contribute expertise and share decision-making and ownership. Research that is co-produced takes time, patience, energy and commitment regardless of the method used. The goal is to co-produce meaningful outcomes/programmes; thus, the research team must find ways of learning about the health needs of individuals/patients/end-users and communities; working with them to address their health and well-being.