‘This workshop was bright and beautiful’: insights into the process of co-production of images for decision aids with marginalised groups

This co-production project worked with groups often marginalised in research, in order to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of two online patient decision aids through the use of images. We share reflections on contributors’ experiences, and we make recommendations for other teams using co-production processes. The research team and public contributor panel chair invited people from a South Asian, Caribbean or African background, people aged under 30 or over 65 years, LGBTQI+ people, those living with access needs or disability, and those on a low income or without a job. Contributors reviewed the decision aids in advance, then attended two small-group workshops co-facilitated by an artist to co-create bespoke images. Contributors were reimbursed £50 for each workshop. We held workshops with 18 public contributors from marginalised groups. Five contributors wrote about their reflections on recruitment for the co-production activities, preparation for co-production, contributing to co-production, and next steps, identifying key learning for improving co-production processes. Sharing information before a co-production event is very important for empowering contributors and equalising power. Careful consideration about the potential impact of exposure to the project materials is important, and flexibility in how to contribute makes projects more inclusive.