Coproduction for feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trials: Learning outcomes for community partners, service users and the research team

Abstract

Background Co-production, involving members of the public in research, is increasingly encouraged by research funders. However, reports detailing involvement of the public in the entire research process from design, delivery, analysis and dissemination of findings are lacking. Furthermore, little is known about the lessons learnt from the perspective of the public and researchers; or more specifically lessons learnt when coproducing specific types of research projects, such as feasibility/pilot studies incorporating a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design. This paper aims to provide a more rounded picture of co-production based on the learning outcomes of researchers, their community partners and service users involved in a feasibility/pilot RCT study developing and evaluating an E-health Service for adults with depression. Methods Qualitative research incorporating 11 semi-structured interviews with academic team members (n = 4), community partners (n = 3) and service users with depression (n = 4) Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Key factors for successful coproduction include - (1) early involvement at the pre-development stage, including contributing to the scientific grant application; (2) early identification of team strengths and expertise from the outset; (3) regular team meetings and contact (formal or informal) among coproduction partners; (4) a flexible and pragmatic approach to research design (particularly within RCTs); (5) shared decision making and responsibility and (6) recognition of ‘other’ pressures and providing support to each other. Findings also suggested further scope for involving community partners in data analysis and dissemination through co-authored papers. Those seeking to coproduce interventions or utilise RCT designs should consider tensions between data quality and intervention implementation and ethical issues regarding control groups. Conclusion This paper confirms previous research confirming the benefits of coproduction. However, it also highlights a number of barriers, particularly when using complex research design, such as RCTs. Learning points are summarised in an implementation model for coproducing research. This model may provide a useful guide for considering activities associated with meaningful coproduction. We urge others to test this proposed model more widely in different areas of coproduced research.