What is the study about?

This study asks, ‘how do public contributors experience power and power-sharing within the co-production of UK health research?’. We want to understand the ways in which power is experienced and shared (or not shared) within co-produced UK health research. You will be asked about your experiences as a public contributor (a patient or member of the public) involved in the co-production of UK health research.

The research will explore understandings, perceptions and experiences of power and power-sharing; exploring how and whether issues of power are identified and addressed; the context or support required to enable power-sharing within a research context; and how systems and structures intersect with experiences of power within co-production.

What is co-production?

The NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) describe co-production as “an approach in which researchers, practitioners and the public work together, sharing power and responsibility from the start to the end of the project, including the generation of knowledge. The assumption is that those affected by research are best placed to design and deliver it and have skills and knowledge of equal importance” (NIHR Glossary, 2023)

The value of co-production is becoming increasingly recognised and there is growing interest in embedding co-production within UK health research. Whilst there are many definitions of co-production, a key principle is sharing power and addressing power inequalities. Yet there is limited evidence and understanding of the ways in which power is experienced and shared (or not shared) within co-produced UK health research and how this has been experienced by public contributors.

Who is doing this research?

The study is being carried out by Emily Ahmed, a PhD Researcher at Warwick Medical School. Emily has worked in community engagement for over 20 years as a facilitator, project manager and as a public contributor.

Can I take part and if so how?

Anyone who has been involved in the co-production of health research in the UK as a patient or member of the public is invited to fill in the 'Take Part' expression of interest form.Link opens in a new window

You may then be invited to take part in an online (Zoom) interview. During the interview you will be asked about your experiences as a public contributor (a patient or member of the public) involved in the co-production of UK health research.

As this is a PhD research project I will only be able to interview a limited number of people. Depending on the levels of interest I may not be able to offer everyone an opportunity for interview, but I'm keen to find as many ways as possible for people to be involved.

Once the research collection is completed and analysed, all research participants will be invited to take part in an optional follow-up workshop in which we will share key themes and findings of the research and ask for your thoughts.

If you are interested and would like to find out more we suggest you read this participant information leaflet which explains in more detail about what taking part will involve. We will also send you a link or copy to this leaflet if you choose to take part. 

Can I sign up to updates?

If you are interested in hearing more about the research and would like to be sent a link when the research is published or invited to any events or activities which will share learning and links please sign up here

This is a PhD doctoral research study, funded by the University of Warwick and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) West Midlands Applied Research Collaboration (ARC). 

The study has been approved by: Biomedical & Scientific Research Ethics Committee (BSREC) at University of Warwick

How to find out more?

If you'd like to find out more please get in contact with Emily Ahmed

Phone/WhatsApp: 07385083375

Email:

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