Background: Co-production, described in healthcare as a process of users and providers working together to improve health is seen as one of the ways to address a post pandemic imbalance between supply and demand in the NHS. In line with the national policy, Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) is shifting from hospital-based care to a community-based model, using public consultations as a tool for reform. Little is known about the economic benefits of co-production and impact of public engagement on the reform in rural communities of Mid and West Wales.

Objective: To explore public involvement in HDUHB, map the preferences of the public in rural communities and inform effective co-production in healthcare delivery.

Methods: Mixed methods are used to answer the research question. A systematic review is underway to evaluate the existing literature on co-production and public involvement in the UK and Wales focusing on rural communities. Quantitative (e.g., Discrete Choice Experiments (DCE)) and qualitative methods (e.g., semi-structured interviews, and Focus Groups) are being used to elicit the preferences of the public in the HDUHB area.

Expected findings: To map public preferences for engaging with decision makers and collect feedback from the communities and key HDUHB stakeholders about the existing model of care delivery. To measure the impact of co-production in addressing current economic challenges in the NHS and evaluate public involvement in HDUHB as a tool of co-production.

Expected contribution: To synthesize what has already been done and further debate the effectiveness of co-production in addressing the imbalance between supply in demand in the NHS. The findings may contribute to policy change and promote understanding between the decision-makers and the public.

Conclusion: This work will contribute to the growing literature on the importance of public involvement and co-production in healthcare research and delivery.