Research circles as a method for implementing new services in the public health and welfare system.

Background: Co-creation has become a guiding principle in public service innovation, but more knowledge is still needed on overcoming barriers and increasing the effectiveness of co-creation processes. This study explores the research circle method as a concrete methodology for co-creation, and its application within two cases involving the implementation of new services for drug death-bereaved persons in Norway based on new research-based knowledge.

Method: The study followed an action research design. The field notes and audio recordings were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: The analysis identified two key dimensions experienced as important for the implementation of the new services when research circles were used as a method for co-creation: 1) the inclusion of participants from different contexts and 2) support structures for service interventions.

Discussion: Research circles are discussed as an important support structure for promoting public value co-creation that can contribute to increasing stakeholders' capacity for implementing services in the public system, especially when the focus is on the perspectives and interests of stakeholders, such as practitioners and management in public health and welfare services. However, the discussion also points to barriers relating to the co-creation process that need to be considered when planning research circle-based interventions.