Developing a principles-based planning resource for the evaluation of public/consumer involvement in health service design

BACKGROUND: Australian health services are required to incorporate public involvement in design and redesign; however, guidance on evaluating outcomes of public involvement is limited. Our aim was to develop public involvement planning resources to better support health services to evaluate outcomes. METHODS: Using a participatory research approach, the development of these resources involved small group workshops at an Australian regional health service, a web-based stakeholder survey, and a small process evaluation. RESULTS: Workshop activity resulted in five themes: evaluation purpose, parameters, partnership, practicalities and process. The themes informed the development of a draft infographic (the 5Ps) and accompanying material. Refinement of the 5Ps infographic and material occurred through a broader stakeholder survey that fed into the final workshop. A small evaluation of the workshop process was completed. CONCLUSION: Through a participatory process, stakeholders supported the development of an evaluation resource for public involvement in health service design. Wider adoption of the 5Ps infographic and material will enable tailoring to the local context.