One Day Training Day Outline Version 18: Practicing Co Productive Relationships

Abstract

Co-productive relationships are the ones we have found to be the most effective in eighteen years of working and using health services with both patients and staff. Co-productive relationships are, in my view, a powerful experience. In raising the expectations of patients, and staff, we create a greater demand for care. They also have the ability to reconfirm your value as a person and the validity of your experiences, irrespective of your ‘position’ in an organisation. This benefit comes with the discomfort of having to recognise your responsibility to other people. However it is a different discomfort to the potential isolation and mistrust of chronically non co-productive relationships. We believe that we are capable of co-production at a deeper level than the existing social order currently envisions.

Co-productive relationships are different from non co-productive relationships:

a) They are mutual and reciprocal. Creating opportunities for people to give back and make contributions to the well-being of others.

b) Consent is sought. Rights and responsibilities are negotiated.

c) The potential for harm and benefit in the relationship is explicitly identified and the latter developed.

d) They equate power and responsibilities and so feel like a fair fight.

e) There is a sense that the participants want to get something done together.

f) Requires an interest in the internal processes of the other person - mentalisation.

What can be equal in any relationship?

a) An experience/meaning of the relationship.

b) Commitment.

c) Openness to new experience.

d) Risk taking.

e) Honesty , trust, and respect.

What is less likely to be equal? history, experience, personalities, position, income, opportunities, culture?

This paper is a draft of a training day to develop these relationships.

Keywords: co-production; relationships; psychology; care; forensic