Work

Implementing a Co‐Produced Women's Health Programme in an Integrated Care System

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Co-production is a key principle of the Women's Health Strategy for England, yet there are limited published examples of its application at system level. This article describes the development of a co-produced women's health programme within an integrated care system in England. Methods: A service improvement approach was used, involving a multidisciplinary advisory group of over 160 members, including people with lived experience. The group co-designed methods to identify local priorities and support programme development. Results: A survey of 1238 respondents identified gaps in access to and integration of women's health services. These findings informed the design and implementation of five prioritised women's health service models, each with defined objectives and built-in evaluation to support quality and sustainability. Discussion: This study demonstrates how community co-production can inform the design of locally responsive women's health services. Integrating lived experience with professional expertise supported equitable service development, though challenges included limited long-term funding and sustaining broad engagement. Conclusion: System-level co-production can support the development of women's health programmes aligned with national strategy. This model illustrates a co-production approach that may inform the development of women's health services in other local settings. Patient and Public Contribution: People with lived experience of women's health services were involved throughout, including identifying priorities, co-designing solutions and shaping programme development.

Source: Public Health Challenges

DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70223

Authors: Susan Conquer, Lizzie Mapplebeck, Annetta Bradshaw, Lisa Nobes, Camille Cronin

Institutions: University of Suffolk, University of Essex

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health and Patient Involvement

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650