Supporting research co-production with rural and underserved populations: Advancing integrated care through authentic and safe partnerships

Background: Healthcare organizations globally are challenged to develop and integrate services that better meet the needs of patients and communities. To help address this, there has been a growing transition towards more collaborative modes of research whereby patients and the public, along with other knowledge users, are actively engaged within teams to contribute to setting research priorities and translating outcomes into policy and practice. While efforts to support research co-production have gained significant traction, common criticisms are levied at the lack of diversity and inclusive in engagement. This risks further perpetuating existing health inequities and disparities. This research specifically explores methods and practices of equity-driven research co-production.

 

Methods: In this presentation, we reflect upon the insights gathered from multiple Canadian patient-oriented and patient-partnered research studies exploring engagement in health research. Specifically, we reflect upon the experiences of populations with diverse experiences and perspectives, including older adults, immigrant, refugee, and newcomers, and those living with complex medical conditions, and identify methods, practices, and strategies that can be employed to support authentic and meaningful engagement in health research.

 

Results: Barriers to engagement in health research can span complex physical, social, or economic factors, and be underpinned by specific needs related to their social location and resources. Here, we highlight examples from four patient-oriented studies, culminating in insights from over 200 participants from diverse populations. We offer actionable and practical strategies to foster authentic and safe engagement in research addressing integrated care.

 

Implications: Rural and underserved populations commonly report multiple overlapping and intersecting barriers to research, resulting in more fewer opportunities to engage in research that can shape healthcare. We present actionable strategies to support patient and public engagement in integrated care research, highlighting steps to support diversity and inclusion. These findings have direct application for teams engaged in integrated care research, along with offering broader insights for those engaged in co-production activities in healthcare.