Using Paulo Freire's philosophy to share power: early insights from planning for the co-production of knowledge in research.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, there has been a growing consensus that incorporating patient, carer, community and public participation is important. How this is accomplished remains more contested. Co-production of knowledge in research is described as one potential approach; however, its theory and practice often remain unclear. The requirement of sharing power disrupts traditional research dynamics and can be challenging in many settings. Global South epistemologies, which can be interpreted as offering a framework for understanding power sharing and empowerment, hold the potential to aid co-production planning. OBJECTIVE: To present a reflective, theory-informed case, drawing on preparatory efforts for the development of a project within the context of a larger research study on Congenital Zika in Brazil. METHODS: By interpreting Paulo Freire's philosophy and its concepts of dialogical action and conscientisation (critical consciousness) as a framework for understanding issues related to power, reflective planning for future co-production work with community members and groups was carried out. RESULTS: EARLY INSIGHTS FROM OUR REFLECTIVE PLANNING: Reflective planning for co-production through a Freirean lens provided early insights on power sharing and practical challenges. Such early insights include that knowledge production is an inherently political process, requiring reflexivity and openness to tension, and the need for attention to structural power differences within research teams and between institutions. Sharing power can be an inherently challenging process due to complex power hierarchies between and within countries and current research funding and publishing dynamics. CONCLUSION: Early insights for our reflective planning for future co-production suggest that engagement with Freire's philosophy at this stage offers a useful framework for critical and contextually grounded approach to co-production which re-centres power sharing, dialogue, and social transformation. Embedding such theory in planning holds the potential to lead to co-produced research which is more authentic, especially in Global South settings characterised by deep social and historical inequities.