Innovation in research co-creation with young people living with obesity: learnings from the ARROWS residential weekend [Abstract only]

Introduction: In England, 2.9% of 4–5-year-olds and 5.8% of 10–11-year-olds are living with obesity. Complications of Excess Weight (CEW) clinics have been commissioned, aiming to deliver holistic multi-disciplinary support to children and young people (aged 2-17) living with obesity and its associated complications. As the CEW clinics are new, their impact is currently being evaluated through the ENHANCE study, which will help inform the evidence base, optimise care, and support future delivery and commissioning. The engagement and involvement of children, young people and their families in ENHANCE is critical. Therefore, this abstract describes the learnings from the innovative approach taken in ENHANCE, to ensure the voices of those with lived experience informs every step of the evaluation process. Methods: A Patient and Public Involvement group was established as an integral part of the ENHANCE study. This group have called themselves ARROWS, consisting of 10 families who have accessed Complications of Excess Weight clinics in either Sheffield (n=4), Leeds (n=3) or Bristol (n=3). To help build trust, group cohesion and learn from the families’ lived experiences and how this can inform the development of the evaluation, a residential weekend was proposed. The ARROWS were involved in planning the residential, which the research team organised. The LUNDY model was used to gage the ARROWS perceptions of their involvement in ENHANCE. Results: The residential received positive feedback. ARROWS enjoyed the activities and learning new skills. Research-based activities were included and interspaced with team building and bonding activities. Some activities were provided by the venue, including archery, a night walk and fire building. ARROWS further reported gaining personal benefits from attending, including feeling less alone and being able to relate with each other. They also suggested how to improve future residentials e.g., by debriefing after emotional sessions, and ensuring these are run after having some time connect as a group. On average, the ARROWS ranked their satisfaction as eight-out-of-ten i.e., they were very satisfied with the weekend. In terms of their role in ENHANCE, ARROWS rated their role as a six-out-of-eight on the Roger Harts Ladder of young people's participation, meaning they feel ENHANCE is adult led, but with shared decision making with young people. Conclusions: The residential weekend was a successful way to enable a diverse group of young people to connect, build trust and share learnings. The process enabled the incorporation of the voices of potentially vulnerable people, who may otherwise be isolated and not inform research to such a high caliber. The bonding achieved, both within the group and with the researchers that attended the weekend, may further support the ENHANCE study over its duration, especially as it allowed the researchers to gain a deeper insight into the ARROWS experiences and needs. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights and learnings to improve the meaningful integration of lived experience into future research and evaluation studies.