Protocol: Applying co-production and peer research approaches with community organisations to develop a blueprint for the centre for Co-Production and Peer Research (CoPPeR) network.

Abstract

Background: Community inclusive approaches in research contribute to the quality and impact of health outcomes, yet communities often lack considerable influence over research processes. The Co-Production and Peer Research (CoPPeR) network aims to redress this gap by fostering equitable partnerships between communities, researchers, and policymakers. This paper outlines the protocol for establishing the CoPPeR network in Bradford, UK, where community-driven research initiatives are crucial for addressing local health disparities.

Methods: We will implement four work-packages using participatory research methods and citizen science approaches. We will collaborate with four community organisations, each located in geographically distinct neighbourhoods serving diverse communities. Together we will co-produce citizen science projects to explore the impact of local environments on residents' health and wellbeing. We will build capacity through providing funding and training to community organisations who will recruit 20 peer researchers across the four areas to design, implement, and analyse their individual research projects. We will co-evaluate the co-production processes in a concomitant way through stakeholder workshops. Finally, we will explore the readiness and opportunities for statutory health and research partners to embed the CoPPeR network.

Results: Anticipated results include comprehensive case studies revealing the factors which affect health and wellbeing in each of the case study sites along with the mechanisms of co-production strategies for enhancing community influence in research. The evaluation will provide us with evidence on what works for which communities; this will be crucial to support our plans for developing a network to augment efforts to advance community inclusive approaches.

Conclusion: The CoPPeR network aims to enable long-term sustainable partnership between researchers, decision makers and seldom heard communities which will enable effective co-production of research and policy. By detailing our experiences and outcomes we hope that others, both in the UK and internationally, can learn from and replicate our approach.