• Helen Rosemary McGeown, Lucy Potter, Tracey Stone, Julie Swede, Helen Cramer, Jeremy Horwood, Maria Carvalho, Florrie Connell, Gene Feder, and Michelle Farr.
• University of Bristol.
• Br J Gen Pract. 2024 Jun 20; 74 (suppl 1).

BackgroundWe frequently fail to meaningfully incorporate patient voice in the development of health services, in particular the voices of those who are most disadvantaged.AimTo share learning from a co-production project to improve primary care experience for those with multiple disadvantage and lived experience of trauma.MethodWe formed a collective of women (Bridging Gaps). Group members had lived experience of poverty, mental health challenges, addictions, homelessness, and sexual exploitation. Other members were researchers, GPs, and members of a third-sector organisation. We worked alongside local GPs to change how services were delivered. We collected interviews (n = 9), ethnographic data from group meetings (n = 3), and reflective notes from group members (n = 19). Data on our process were analysed using a framework approach drawn from the principles of trauma-informed care.ResultsWe highlight the challenges for those with multiple disadvantages and trauma experience to meaningfully and safely engage in traditional Patient Participation Group (PPG) models. True co-production of services requires adequate resources and close collaborative working with local community organisations. Groups must be facilitated by those with relevant experience and the ability to both notice and manage power dynamics within the room. With sufficient support, co-production models have potential to empower group participants and improve health services.ConclusionPartnership working between GPs, the third sector, and other organisations is vital. This can allow GPs to benefit from the expertise of those with relevant lived experience in tackling health inequalities.© British Journal of General Practice 2024.

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