POSTER: ENRICHING THE EVIDENCE BASE OF CO-CREATION IN PUBLIC HEALTH WITH METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL REALISM

Katrina Messiha's PhD study explores co-creation approaches in public health research, addressing the need for a clear meta-theoretical framework to understand underlying assumptions and principles. Co-creation research currently lacks clearly defined meta-theoretical foundations. In contrast, critical realism emerges as a compelling advocate, proposing mechanisms that hold substantial explanatory power in relation to empirical evidence. Hence, the study focuses on the application of critical realism as a meta-theory to enrich the evidence base for co-creation in public health.

The methodology involves a thorough exploration of critical realism methodological principles, starting with a pivotal paper by Wynn and Williams. Twenty-two relevant papers were included for synthesis, highlighting the potential of critical realism principles to guide more rigorous empirical research in co-creation projects.

The key findings emphasise the value of critical realism principles in enhancing co-creation research in public health, particularly in designing projects with a focus on plurality and longitudinal empirical research. Integration of these principles has the potential to deepen exploration, leading to more effective public health interventions.