"Are we genuinely going to have our voices heard?" The experience of co-producing a blended intervention to prevent relapse in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a qualitative study on the perspectives of experts by lived experience.

Abstract

Introduction: Co-production involves researchers, practitioners and people with lived experience working in a collaborative manner, with shared power. The potential benefits of co-production are well documented. However, there is little research describing the experience of having been involved in co-production from the perspective of Experts By Lived Experience (EBLE). The aim of the present study is to explore the experiences of EBLE of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on their involvement in co-producing a blended intervention to prevent relapse for OCD.

Methods: Five EBLE took part in semi-structured interviews enquiring about their experiences of co-producing a relapse prevention intervention. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results: Four themes were developed: (1) Welcome but unexpected therapeutic benefits; (2) The parameters of a safe space; (3) Genuine co-production brings meaningful change; and (4) Navigating the challenging terrain of co-production.

Conclusions: Overall, EBLE reported their involvement in the co-production process to have had positive impacts on both the development of the intervention and their own personal recovery journey. EBLE valued the safety created within the group, and the importance this had for allowing them to speak open and honestly about their experiences and the difficulties that can arise with the nature of the work.