Promoting the Implementation of Co‐Produced Cochrane Evidence: An Exploratory Study of Improving Partnering With Consumers

Introduction Co‐production of evidence syntheses has the potential to facilitate translation of research findings into policy and practice. However, few studies have explored the process of implementing co‐produced evidence. This gap limits our understanding of how, and to what extent, co‐production promotes knowledge translation. In this study, we used an implementation science lens to explore factors influencing the implementation of the Best Practice Principles in partnering with consumers (BPP) in hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. The BPP were developed as part of a co‐produced Cochrane qualitative evidence synthesis exploring consumers' and health providers' experiences and perceptions of partnering. We use the findings of our study to develop strategies for evidence synthesis teams engaged in co‐production to optimize the implementation of their review findings. Methods This exploratory, qualitative study was informed by cooperative inquiry and normalization process theory (NPT). A six‐member panel, including researchers, policy makers and consumers, guided data collection and analysis. Data collection involved semi‐structured interviews with eleven participants (including consumer engagement leads, consumer representatives, and a policymaker) about how to implement the BPP in Melbourne hospitals. Interviews were analyzed using framework analysis. Results Interview participants reported the BPP were relevant to practice, consumer‐centered, practical, and flexible. There were several additional factors that could impact their uptake into practice. These included integration of the BPP into government policies and guidelines, evidence of the cost/benefit of BPP implementation, endorsement from health service leadership, involvement of consumers throughout the implementation process, a structured implementation, and flexible measurement of implementation success. Conclusion This exploratory study suggested that the BPP, a tool developed through a co‐produced Cochrane qualitative evidence synthesis, promoted knowledge translation. Other factors at the macro‐ (political and economic), meso‐ (systems and organizations), and micro‐ (individual) levels could influence the implementation's success. Implications for evidence synthesis teams aiming to optimize the knowledge translation of their review results are discussed.