Collaborative innovation in the development of services for bereaved after drug-related deaths through research circles

Background

It is estimated that there are 10 to 15 bereaved after each Drug-related Death (DRD), and this group of bereaved is increasing due to rising numbers of DRDs worldwide. DRDs are closely connected to stigma and self-stigma, as the deaths are closely connected to self-inflicted illicit drug consumption, which, in turn, is stigmatized by society. Underdevelopment in bereavement care for bereaved after DRDs are documented in Norway and other countries. The Drug-Death Related Bereavement and Recovery Study (the END project; https://www.hvl.no/end) aims to improve the lives of bereaved family members and friends after a DRD by studying their perspectives, health, functioning, and need for bereavement care. Through an established research circle, the new knowledge was to be implemented in new service innovations for those bereaved after DRDs. A sizeable Norwegian public health service, decided to establish a monthly low-threshold meeting place for the bereaved persons after DRD, informed of the bereaved who had requested a place to meet with people in the same situation. This study explores how multi-actor collaboration, including staff, experts of experience, and researchers, aimed to design and establish a help service for bereaved after DRDs through collaborative innovation. 

Method

The study is based on qualitative analysis of a multi-actor collaborative joint action research process, including bereaved practitioners and researchers from the research circle and the public health service establishing a low-threshold meeting place for bereaved people after DRDs. Data analyzed are minutes of meetings from the planning and establishment process of the service innovation, field notes from meetings, transcripts of audio recordings from research circle meetings (March 2022 – November 2022), and evaluation reports from the first year of operation activities in the service. 

Results

Proximity to research results and opportunities to consult research and researchers through participation in the research circle proved to be a critical element in the success of the innovation establishment, e.g., holding motivation during the process and having the possibility to reflect and discuss topics and challenges in research circle during the establishment period. Anchoring at a decision-making level and access to resources (staff, locals, etc.) also showed importance. Additional findings show the importance of allocating time for multi-actor collaboration, as establishing new service innovations is time-consuming and long-lasting. 

Conclusions

Research circle affiliation can provide a supportive and sustainable environment for the inclusion of staff, experts of experience, and researchers in designing new services for bereaved after Drug-related Deaths and promote the possibility of creating targeted services through multi-actor participation.