Community Appointment Day Co-Production Guide

To co-produce a CAD event, you need to involve people with lived experience as equal partners throughout the process, from planning to delivery. This involves recognising their expertise, building on their capabilities, and fostering reciprocal relationships. Co-production emphasises shared decision-making, clear communication, and a commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders.

1. Co-production and its Principles

• Shared Responsibility: Co-production means working together as equal partners, not just consulting with people.

• Recognise Expertise: People with lived experience possess valuable insights and knowledge that can significantly improve health events.

• Build Relationships: Co-production relies on trust and open communication between all stakeholders.

• Reciprocity: Everyone involved should benefit from the process, whether through skill development, increased confidence, or improved health outcomes.

2. Implementing Co-production:

• Early Engagement: Involve people with lived experience from the initial planning stages.

• Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Ensure everyone understands their role and how they will contribute.

• Power Sharing: Decision-making should be shared equally, not just through consultation.

• Accessibility: Make it easy for everyone to participate, including addressing any barriers to access.

• Ongoing Feedback: Collect feedback throughout the process to make improvements and ensure the event is meeting the needs of all participants.

• Evaluation: Measure the impact of the co-production process and celebrate successes.

3. Specific Actions:

• Identify Stakeholders: Determine who needs to be involved, including patients, carers, clinicians, and community members.

• Create Inclusive Spaces: Ensure the event is welcoming and safe for all participants.

• Provide Support: Offer training and resources to help people participate effectively.

• Use Creative Approaches: Consider using methods like storytelling, art, or drama to facilitate communication and engagement.

• Be Flexible: Co-production is an iterative process, so be prepared to adapt your approach based on feedback.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your CAD event is co-produced, leading to more effective, inclusive, and meaningful outcomes.

Some example resources from the Chronic Pain Big Conversation are below:

Facilitator Conversation Guide

CONVERSATION ONE 2.10pm – 2.30pm

What Matters to you? What else to include on the day?

We are excited to work jointly with our health & social care services & community partners to participate in our Community Appointment day (CAD). We would like to know from participants which services and community partners you would like to see at this event. On the day they will be available to give support information and promote opportunities for people to get involved. We are keen to find out what helps people to live well at home and in your community as this will help to share the “What matters to you” part of the event.

Facilitators suggestions may include:

What matters to you? Could be……

• Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Physical activity and wellbeing
• Local Support groups and activities
• Addiction recovery services
• Diet & Nutrition
• Medication / Pharmacy Support

What/who helps you to live well in your home/Community?

What other support services would you like to find out more about?

What else can we offer?

• Therapets?
• Mindfulness?
• Journaling?
• Space where people can connect with each other?

CONVERSATION TWO 2.30 – 2.50pm

What will make this a successful event? (Learning / Evaluation)

We would like to know what a successful event looks like for people. This will help us to understand what has worked well and what we need to focus on for the future.

Suggestions for facilitators may include:

• People have a better understanding about how to manage their pain.
• People are connected into local services in their communities.
• People feel they have been listened to and feel that Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership / NHS Grampian cares about them.
• People appreciate having appointments closer to home · People feel better connected to others with a similar condition

COMFORT BREAK AT 2.50PM – 3.10PM

CONVERSATION THREE 3.10 – 3.30pm

What Information do people need before attending the event? People may not have heard about Community Appointment days before. We want to make sure that people come along with a clear understanding of what the day is all about, why they should come along and be fully prepared to participate.

In order to help people to do that, what information will people need to receive in advance of their appointment?

Facilitator suggestions could include:

• What are the benefits of attending a CAD
• What to expect at a CAD
• How long it will take
• Can I bring someone with me
• Written in plain English/ Jargon free
• Frequently asked questions document?
• What to wear on the day · Maps/ Bus times
• How to let the team know you will require additional support

CONVERSATION FOUR 3.30 – 3.50pm

What additional support do people need? Accessibility/ Inclusion on the day We want to remove as many barriers to participation as possible on the day. What are the additional supports people with chronic pain may need, either physical or emotional. Also thinking about associated conditions, and people form a diverse range of backgrounds and encouraging participating from those who may be traditionally marginalised or experience health inequalities.

Facilitator suggestions may include:

• Extra chairs, quiet space?
• Refreshments
• Neuroinclusive – fidgets?
• Considerations for people from ethnically / culturally diverse backgrounds – translations services
• Looking around the room, what the demographics not helping to plan CADS? How can we anticipate what additional requirements they might have?
• Dietary requirements?

Facilitators name………………………………………………………………..

Email address………………………………………………………………..

Table No. …………………………………………………………….

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