Carer involvement and the co-creation of knowledge: a peer evaluation of carer health checks

Background Carer health checks have been piloted in areas across the UK including the North East of England. While a national evaluation is being undertaken a key philosophy of Northumberland Care Trust who funded the initiative is the involvement of carers in evaluating services designed to support other carers. This presentation describes the process and results of a peer evaluation of the health checks undertaken by a group of carers (CSG), supported by an academic and individuals from Carers Northumberland (a third sector organisation), the local Primary Care Trust and Northumberland care trust. Methods/Approach A training programme was developed and delivered by the academic. The programme aimed to give participants the knowledge and skills to carry out, with ongoing support, a small evaluation study. During training the group developed a study aim and design, and interview questions. The project aimed to evaluate the effects of the carers health checks pilot, and covered:  general thoughts and feelings about the checks and  the process/implementation of the health checks. The group learnt skills and techniques necessary for data collection and analysis, and undertook the evaluation with support. Data was collected by the carer study group from other carers and service providers. Findings and Issues The evaluation is ongoing but will be concluded prior to the conference. The experiences of the carer research group will be explored in the presentation and issues highlighted in relation to the processes of knowledge exchange and co-construction. Service user and carer involvement in health and social care research can be seen as taking place on a spectrum - from acting only as respondents to full involvement in the research process. This project can be seen as an example of authentic carer involvement in the co-creation of knowledge.