Co-production of a transdisciplinary assessment by researchers and healthcare professionals: a case study

Abstract

Aim: One definition of research co-production is a collaboration between researchers and healthcare professionals throughout a research process to facilitate knowledge translation and improve the clinical impact of research findings. In this paper, we present a case study of clinical research co-production and reflect on how the process was facilitated between researchers and healthcare professionals. Type of program or service: Development of a novel transdisciplinary assessment for implementation in an acute stroke unit (ASU). Methods: Researchers and healthcare professionals integrated perspectives and co-produced a novel transdisciplinary assessment. Team-based activities were guided by a logic model, including task analysis and simulation testing. A logframe matrix was used to plan implementation strategies to mitigate potential risks. Results: Research co-production was fundamental to integrating multiple perspectives to develop an effective, novel transdisciplinary assessment for patients with stroke. Preliminary data demonstrated that the transdisciplinary approach could save up to 103 minutes per patient in assessment time. Lessons Learnt: As the project evolved, the three most important factors for research co-production were 1) the right people to integrate critical disciplinary and pragmatic perspectives; 2) a project leader who was inclusive of perspectives held by researchers and healthcare professionals, and 3) structured and non-biased team discussions using a theoretical tool. We recommend these three factors be considered in future research co-production in healthcare settings.

Keywords

• co-production
• transdisciplinary assessment
• healthcare