Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of creative co-production strategies in involving young people experiencing health inequalities in shaping equitable pediatric care.

Approach:

• Study Design: Conducted in Birmingham and London, comparing two creative co-production models: LISTEN UP! (science-based) and SHOW UP! (arts-based).
• Participants: 116 participants aged 13–18, including clinicians, engaged in participatory workshops, youth-led investigations, and co-produced public outputs.
• Analysis Method: Used feminist, community-based, and constructivist principles for reflexive thematic analysis of creative artifacts, observations, and participant reflections.

Key Findings:

• Creativeco-productioncatalyzedtransformationthroughthreemechanisms:Education,Empathy,andExpression.Youngpeoplereportedincreasedconfidenceandsystemicbelonging;cliniciansgainedinsightsintosocialdeterminantsandrelationalcare.However,entrenchedbarrierssuchaslimitedtimeandemotionallaborrestrictedwideruptakeofco-productionefforts.

Interpretation:

Meaningful co-production is described as a moral and political practice grounded in Respect, Relationships, and Reciprocity, requiring structural investment to be sustainable.

Limitations:

• Extensiveunpaidandaffectivelaborledtomoraldistressandburnoutamongfacilitators.Co-productioneffortsriskbeingunsustainablewithoutpolicy-levelrecognitionandfundingreform,revealingaparadox:co-productionasalabourofloveoperatingwithinsystemswhosestructuresmakethatlabourunsustainable.

Conclusion:

Creative methods can foster relational healing and systemic insight, but their continuation demands structural investment to avoid remaining an ethical aspiration.