A case study: using an appreciative inquiry model to co-produce a gender-informed women’s only access to drug and alcohol treatment space

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to report on the experience of using a strengths-based, solution-focused methodology for co-producing a gender-informed drug treatment service using an appreciative inquiry (AI) model (Cooperrider and Srivastva, 1987). Design/methodology/approach An AI model was used to facilitate a series of six workshops. Participants had a mixture of lived experience (n = 4, experience of accessing drug and alcohol services) and learned experience (n = 3, practitioners from a local drug service), with co-facilitators from Fulfilling Lives Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham (n = 2). The aim of the workshops was to understand barriers, identify solutions and co-create a service design offer. Data for this paper was collected using a series of focus groups, reflection logs and surveys, which sought to understand participants’ perceptions of using this model and the impact it had on them. Data was analysed manually using coded thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Findings Participants successfully co-created a women’s access to drug and alcohol service design and recommendations. Participants found the process of using the model a very positive experience with benefits, including increased self-esteem, group cohesion and balanced power. This study provides evidence of the AI model as an effective, practical tool for co-production work. Originality/value This case study considers a shift in approach to co-producing services with both lived and learned experience, which moves away from problem-focused consultations, towards solution-focused co-design. Consequently, providing evidence to support such a change.

Examining the gender dimension in the non-medical use of over the counter and prescription only medication

“…Moreover, evidence of the need for gender-sensitive engagement approaches is supported by Summers et al (2014) who demonstrate that women are more likely to be discharged from services for using substances on top of their prescribed intervention, especially relating to POM opioids, and this puts them at greater risk of poor outcomes (Summers et al, 2014). Therefore, to reduce barriers to accessing support and maximise engagement with treatment services, strength-based co-production must be embedded as an approach, where individuals with lived experience are involved in service design and consequent evaluation from the outset (Randall et al, 2022).…”