Approaches to co-production of research in care homes: a scoping review

Bowles, F. V.; Logan, P. A.; Timmons, S.; Robinson, K. R.

Abstract

Background: Using the technique of co-production to develop research is considered good practice. Co-production involves the public, practitioners and academics working together as equals throughout a research project. Co-production may help develop alternative ways of delivering care for older adults that are acceptable to those who live and work in care homes. However, guidance about applying co-production approaches in this context is lacking. This scoping review aims to map co-production approaches used in care homes for older adults in previous research to support the inclusion of residents and care staff as equal collaborators in future studies. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. Seven electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed primary studies using co-production approaches in care home settings for older adults. Studies were independently screened against eligibility criteria by two reviewers. Citation searching was completed. Data relating to study characteristics, co-production approaches used, including any barriers and facilitators, was charted by one reviewer and checked by another. Data was summarised using tables and diagrams with an accompanying narrative description. A collaborator group of care home and health service representatives were involved in the interpretation of the findings from their perspectives. Results: 19 studies were selected for inclusion. A diverse range of approaches to co-production and engaging key stakeholders in care home settings were identified. 11 studies reported barriers and 13 reported facilitators affecting the co-production process. Barriers and facilitators to building relationships and achieving inclusive, equitable and reciprocal co-production were identified in alignment with the five NIHR principles. Practical considerations were also identified as potential barriers and facilitators. Conclusion: The components of co-production approaches, barriers and facilitators identified should inform the design of future research using co-production approaches in care homes. Future studies should be explicit in reporting what is meant by co-production, the methods used to support co-production, and steps taken to enact the principles of co-production. Sharing of key learning is required to support this field to develop. Evaluation of co-production approaches, including participants’ experiences of taking part in co-production processes, are areas for future research in care home settings.

Citation

Bowles, F. V., Logan, P. A., Timmons, S., & Robinson, K. R. (2022). Approaches to co-production of research in care homes: a scoping review. Research Involvement and Engagement, 8(1), Article 74. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-022-00408-z

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Dec 9, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Dec 23, 2022
• Publication Date: Dec 23, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 23, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 24, 2023
• Journal: Research Involvement and Engagement
• Electronic ISSN: 2056-7529
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 74
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-022-00408-z
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/16495226
• Publisher URL: https://researchinvolvement.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40900-022-00408-z