What factors influence young people’s involvement in policymaking and service improvement? A systems perspective

Blake, C. , Turner, B. , Mitchell, K. and Lewis, R. (2024) What factors influence young people’s involvement in policymaking and service improvement? A systems perspective. NHS Research Scotland (NRS) and Chief Scientist Office (CSO) Patient and Public Involvement Event 2024, Dundee, Scotland, 12 Mar 2024.

Abstract

Aim: Meaningful involvement of young people in policymaking and service improvement is important but remains uncommon. Many initiatives lack sustainability and fall short of enabling meaningful collaboration between young people and those who plan and deliver policies and services. Using participatory systems mapping, the CONUNDRUM Action project sought to map the factors influencing young people’s involvement in shaping sexual health services and policy and identify opportunities to increase young people’s involvement. Methods: We built a participatory system map via multi-stage online coproduction with a short-life Action Group comprising sexual health stakeholders (n=27) across Scotland, including young people, government policymakers, and health improvement leads. Creating safe and positive group dynamics was prioritised. The system map was developed in four stages: 1] online map building workshops with the Action Group; 2] gathering views from wider system stakeholders by interviewing 18 stakeholders in roles across the sexual health system (government policy, health promotion, clinical, commercial); 3] a review and refinement of the map in two online workshops; and 4] feedback on possible opportunities for systems change via an online survey. Opportunities for shifts in the system were identified via network analysis and stakeholder feedback. Results: The final map presents a complex yet clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for increasing young people’s involvement in shaping sexual health policy and services. The map comprises 70 factors connected by cause-and-effect relations, which were grouped into five themes representing the key factors underpinning young people’s involvement: leadership, prioritisation and resources for involvement work; governance and collaboration to support youth involvement; workforce readiness and capacity to carry out involvement work; accessibility and inclusivity of involvement opportunities; and quality and acceptability of involvement opportunities.  Conclusions: This participatory systems mapping process is a rare example of a coproduced, systems-level understanding of factors shaping public involvement. The final map is a visual representation of the system of young people’s involvement in sexual health decision-making, according to stakeholders in Scotland. The map offers an opportunity for further dialogue and action around the identified opportunities for change.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mitchell, Professor Kirstin and Lewis, Dr Ruth and Blake, Ms Carolyn and Turner, Miss Billie
• Authors: Blake, C., Turner, B., Mitchell, K., and Lewis, R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU

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