Co-design of an Australian health service framework and implementation plan for involving consumers in research

Laura Ryan; Rachel Wenke; Joan Carlini; Kelly A. Weir; Margaret Shapiro; Noela Baglot; Magnolia Cardona; Georgia Tobiano; Sally Sargeant; Rachel Muir; Laetitia Hattingh

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Co-design of an Australian health service framework and implementation plan for involving consumers in research

Laura Ryan, Rachel Wenke, Joan Carlini, Kelly A. Weir, Margaret Shapiro, Noela Baglot, Magnolia Cardona, Georgia Tobiano, Sally Sargeant, Rachel Muir, Laetitia Hattingh

Abstract

Objectives: The value of engaging health service users and their families (consumers) in research is increasingly being recognised in planning and evaluating health services to meet diverse needs. This project aimed to co-design a strategic consumer involvement framework and implementation plan for a public Australian hospital and health service.

Methods: A co-design approach was used to develop the framework and implementation plan across five stages: 1) an initial consultation with key stakeholders, 2) a survey of health service staff about involving consumers in research at the health service, 3) three group sessions using Nominal Group Technique with health service consumers and staff that explored barriers and solutions to involving consumers, 4) data synthesis, and 5) a workshop of key stakeholders to develop and refine the implementation plan. Three consumer partners contributed to protocol development, research design, data analysis and manuscript writing.

Results: Survey and group session data highlighted a need for governance, infrastructure, capacity building, and leadership and culture within the organisation to support the involvement of consumers in research at the health service. These aligned with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Framework domains. Implementation strategies were adjusted based on insights from the local context to facilitate adoption within the health service.

Conclusions: By better supporting consumers and researchers to work together in health service research, organisations can enhance the relevance, quality, and impact of their research efforts. This project provides a valuable blueprint for developing a local, contextualised framework and promoting effective consumer-researcher relationships in Australian public health services.

PU24021 Accepted 24 March 2025