‘Nothing about us without us': co-production ingredients for working alongside stakeholders to develop mental health interventions

ABSTRACT Objective Co-production involves researchers and people with mental health lived experience working together, addressing questions of community relevance. While co-production is underpinned by the tenet that stakeholders with lived experience have expertise and knowledge invaluable in designing research and service, there is a need to advance understanding of the role of stakeholders in co-producing mental health interventions. Method This study employed an inductive interpretative qualitative research methodology in investigating the ingredients for facilitating co-production between researchers and consumers within the context of developing an online mental health training program. Five stakeholders with lived experience or interest in mental health participated in a steering group, informing the development of the ‘Talk to Me’ Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). This program aimed to enable university students to improve their mental health literacy and communication skills. Steering group meetings were audio-recorded, and stakeholders engaged in an interview at the completion of their engagement exploring their experiences of co-production. Data were thematically analysed exploring themes relating to the co-production process and their experience. Results Themes relating to co-production and designing the MOOC were identified, including the need to develop a safe space, consideration of group dynamics, and ways of developing partnerships with stakeholders. Discussion Stakeholder feedback informed the language, content, and purpose of the MOOC prior to its release. Effective co-production in mental health research requires consideration, power-sharing, and planning to ensure that stakeholder involvement is productive and valuable.