Beyond patient-centred care: a conceptual framework of co-production mechanisms with vulnerable groups in health and social service settings

This conceptual paper proposes a framework theorizing various service co-production mechanisms that providers may use in health and social service fields caring vulnerable and stigmatized service users. I theorize that service providers employ multiple co-production mechanisms in the service delivery/implementation phase – e.g. user–provider co-production, peer co-production, and user-driven co-production – to ensure users’ engagement in service decision-making processes. The framework demonstrates that each co-production mechanism has strengths and limitations, and no single mechanism is perfect. Operations of multiple co-production methods can lead to more meaningful representation opportunities for marginalized health and social service users – important public value that every individual deserves.