A literature review of social work studies on co-production: Trends in the United Kingdom and key issues for co-production research in Japan

Abstract

[Objective] This study aimed to clarify the outcomes of co-production and the role of social workers discussed in social work studies in the United Kingdom. Additionally, this study sought to organize key issues related to the development of co-production research and the systematization of social work practice in Japan.

[Methods] Relevant studies were identified through Web of Science by selecting previous studies from the United Kingdom that focused on social work and co-production. The literature review was then conducted to clarify the outcomes of co-production and the roles of social workers as discussed in each study.

[Results] The outcomes of co-production discussed in the reviewed studies were: knowledge (14 studies), healthcare and social care services (5 studies), and digital storytelling (1 study). The roles of social workers in co-production were discussed in three main areas: (1) collaboration in research and utilization of the knowledge produced in knowledge co-production, (2) facilitation of relationship building between service users and healthcare and social care professionals , and (3) addressing shortcomings during co-production implementation. Items (2) and (3) are related to co-production practices overall.

[Conclusions] This study revealed that although diverse forms of co-production are discussed in social work studies in the United Kingdom, they share a common focus on promoting service user participation. It also demonstrated that social workers play an indispensable role in realizing co-production practices. To advance co-production research related to social work in Japan, the discussions on service co-production should be broadened. In addition, the practices of social workers in building relationships with service users should be clarified through inductive research on those actively engaged in service co-production.