Table 1 Researchers and TSO staff perspective—2017–2021
From: Co-creation of new knowledge: Good fortune or good management?
Co-ideation | Co-design | Co-implementation | Co-evaluation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stakeholder involved | TSO stakeholders Peer workers with LEX Researchers Funders | TSO stakeholders Peer workers with LEX Researchers Funders | TSO stakeholders Peer workers with LEX Researchers | TSO stakeholders Peer workers with LEX Researchers |
Tools/process | Model adapted from USA support group | Data collection procedures Streamline communication using one email channel | Data collection flow charts Facilitator end-of-session prompts Process of sharing files Risk protocols Participant intake forms | Group survey checklist Attendance records Survey completion record |
Opportunities | TSO stakeholders actively participated in the design and adaptation of the program | Researchers and TSO stakeholders share mutual knowledge and experience TSO stakeholders provided feedback on using measures in practice | TSO stakeholders developed awareness of how the program could be adapted over time whilst ensuring research integrity Consistency of service and feedback loop between TSO staff, peer workers and consumers | TSO stakeholders realised the value of the evaluation process and how results could result in benefits (increased funding) etc. |
Barriers | Differences in researcher-stakeholder agendas can impede decision-making processes Delays in receiving ethics approval due to the sensitive nature of the research | Differences in the level of understanding between researchers and stakeholders about due process in adhering to research aims and rigour Understanding the validity of measurements | Awareness of the importance of data collection and its impact on program evaluation Reliance on researchers to manage data, changing of program components without joint discussion COVID pandemic | The lack of participant data prevents TSO stakeholders from demonstrating positive program outcomes COVID pandemic |
Lessons learnt | Appreciation of individual stakeholder expertise, skills and role demands and what they bring to co-creation | Consistent and open communication is required, especially regarding decisions impacting the research process | Implement administrative resources to act as an intermediary between the researcher and TSO Stakeholders’ participation in the data collection to cement relationships between stakeholders | Participation of stakeholders in the evaluation process can help generate new innovative opportunities |