Published July 24, 2025 | Version v3
Project deliverable Open

PRODUCES+: An Evidence-based Co-Creation Guideline

  • 1. Glasgow Caledonian University
  • 2. ROR icon University of Copenhagen
  • 3. Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llul
  • 1. Blanquerna Universitat Ramon Llull Facultat de Ciencies de la Salut
  • 2. Blanquerna Universitat Ramon Llull Facultat de Psicologia Ciencies de l'Educacio i de l'Esport
  • 3. ROR icon Ghent University
  • 4. ROR icon Glasgow Caledonian University
  • 5. Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership
  • 6. ROR icon NHS Grampian

Description

Guideline Overview

Structure. This draft guideline for evidence-based co-creation in public health is structured around the stages and principles of Leask et al.’s (2019) PRODUCES framework, a widely cited and recent reference in the field. Its overarching and adaptable structure offers a practical, low-risk foundation for guiding co-creation processes  (Leask et al. 2019)

Purpose. This guideline provides researchers and practitioners with practical guidance for planning, conducting, evaluating, reporting and adapting co-creation in public health. It builds on and expands the PRODUCES framework by offering targeted resources and tools for each stage of the process.

Content. This guideline draws on a two-part research process by Agnello and Longworth (publication under review). First, a snowballing literature search of articles citing Leask et al. (2019) was conducted to explore how the framework has been used in practice. Second, surveys and interviews were carried out with users of the PRODUCES framework to capture practical feedback. Insights from this work, combined with input from co-authors and the original PRODUCES framework authors, were used to revise the framework for improved usability.

Key updates include:

  • Clearer language and refined distinctions between co-creation stages
  • A structured format with step-by-step methods and relevant tools
  • Signposts to complementary frameworks for enhanced usability
  • An expanded section on evaluation
  • New guidance on scaling and adaptation
  • A comprehensive planning and reporting checklist

Reporting Template. A reporting template is included (pages 30–35) to support transparent documentation of co-creation processes. It may be used as an appendix, annex, or supplementary file of your publication or report. 

Contact. If you have any questions regarding any of these materials, please feel free to reach out to the lead authors: Dr Danielle M. Agnello (danielle.agnello@sund.ku.dk) and Dr Giuliana R. Longworth (giulianaraffaellal@gcu.ac.uk). 

Notes

The authors on this document represent co-first authorship written in alphabetical order

Files

PRODUCES+_Evidence-based Co-creation Guideline.pdf

Files (1.6 MB)

Additional details

Funding

European Commission
Health CASCADE - Evidence-based co-creation methodology for bridging the implementation gap between knowledge and action in health promotion. 956501