Exploring co-participation in health: strategies and initiatives towards inclusive well-being

Purpose This article explores the main elements of co-participation in health, examining how community engagement can improve health outcomes and health services’ overall efficiency. It aims to discuss and identify key features that facilitate co-participation strategies in service delivery and health program implementation. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a general literature review to comprehensively explore the role of co-participation in health, drawing on scientific literature and real-world examples to identify key factors that contribute to successful health interventions. A total of 50 published resources were included, and a descriptive analysis was performed, focusing on summarizing existing literature and highlighting key themes and practical strategies. Documents were selected from publications dated between 2004 and 2024. Findings Community participation is presented as a critical factor in improving population health outcomes. The examined initiatives promote the idea that community integration into the design and implementation of health programs increases treatment adherence, users' health perception and improved health outcomes. Several strategies and approaches are presented as key tools to adequately integrate community engagement such as community empowerment, government decentralization and incorporation of technology, among others. Practical implications Coparticipation in health improves health outcomes and promotes greater equity and social justice. Involving citizens in health decision-making contributes to improving the quality of life and well-being of the community. Empowering patients’ decision-making not only builds one’s self-agency in health decision-making but also simultaneously facilitates closing the gaps in healthcare service delivery due to large shortages in the health workforce around the world. This has further implications for overall health systems’ financing, efficiency and sustainability. Social implications This research has social implications as it underscores how community participation is essential for fostering equity, justice and inclusivity within health systems. Originality/value This article offers an innovative perspective on the role of partnership in achieving good health outcomes, highlighting the importance of adapting interventions to local contexts, the need for sustainable financing and the inclusion of a wide range of actions toward participation.