In this episode of Consumer Health Partnerships, we speak with Anja Christoffersen, founder of Champion Health Agency, and Dr. Adrienne Young, dietitian researcher at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, about co-designing a co-design framework for Metro North Health in Queensland.

They delve deeply into the need for a co-design framework to enhance patient nutrition and food experiences in hospitals. Anja and Adrienne share their journey of working together, the challenges they faced, and the significant impact of their collaborative efforts. They also touch upon the essential elements of building a successful collaboration between consumers and healthcare professionals to improve healthcare delivery.

Key Takeaways: 

• Understanding Co-Design: Co-design involves genuine partnerships and shared decision-making between consumers and healthcare professionals.
• Building Trust: Successful co-design projects are built on strong, trusting relationships and ongoing dialogue.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Being adaptable and prepared to revisit and revise plans is crucial for overcoming unforeseen challenges.
• Emphasising Equity: Addressing power imbalances through proper funding and acknowledgment of contributions is essential for effective co-design.
• Legacy and Impact: The developed co-design framework has seen significant use, indicating its value and impact on improving healthcare practices.