Patient and public involvement, engagement, and participation in practice: co-production of a creative health approach and theory of change through the ReCITE consortium-building project in Liverpool

Plain English summary This paper describes a process of working together to design a research programme that explores how creative activities such as storytelling could help reduce health inequalities. This work was part of a project called ReCITE, which brought together people from community organisations, health services, the arts, and universities in Liverpool. Fifty-six different people took part in six workshops over nine months. Together, they discussed how creative projects could support people’s well-being and make health outcomes fairer. From these discussions, the group developed a shared plan (known as a theory of change) showing how creative activities might lead to better health for everyone. This plan also helped design a research programme, which later received funding to continue the work. The process involved several rounds of gathering feedback, revising ideas, and returning to participants to check that their views were represented. Working together over time helped build trust and shared ownership of the research. However, it was sometimes difficult for community partners to stay involved throughout the process because there was limited funding to support their time and participation.