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AHP Careers Fellowship

Callum MacKinnon

Project website – https://callummackinnon8.wixsite.com/callumot

On a journey to being more inclusive and able to meet the needs of autistic people

A co-creation project with NHS Fife’s Mental health OT Service

What is co-creation?

Co-creation is not just about gathering data or generating ideas; it’s about fostering collaboration at every stage—whether in recruitment, data analysis, or dissemination (Agnello, 2025*; Longworth et al., 2024**). This flexibility ensures that co-creators can influence the project, ensuring that their perspectives and insights are integrated meaningfully into the final outcomes. Adopting this approach within this project highlighted the importance of continual adaptation and responsiveness, reinforcing that co-creation is as much about the process as it is about the end result.

Implementing neuroaffirming practices can significantly enhance inclusivity without additional

Project: Making AHP services more accessible for autistic people 'Exploring how to translate a national resource into local practice by adopting co-creation methods with NHS staff' The 'Autism Informed Services' eBook, launched in 2024, was co-created with autistic adults and serves as a resource for professionals working in adult services. The aim of this project was to understand the barriers and opportunities at a local level that need to be considered when adopting the national e-book into local practice.

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Focus groups were conducted in both NHS Fife and NHS Lothian areas, with creative tools such as ‘Envision Cards’ used to gather insights. with project partner, Ursula Duff (Speech & Language Therapist)

Data from the focus groups was analysed to identify key themes, which were reviewed collaboratively with co-creators to shape the project’s outcomes.

In Fife, key areas of focus included assets, barriers, and opportunities, with 22 co-creators identifying top 5 reflections in each.

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ASSETS

• Shared e-mail inbox

• Environmental change

• Run online groups

• 1-way text system

• Flexible appt times and location

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BARRIERS

• Time to read, absorb and apply learning

• Ward environment

• Possible governance issues

• How to measure success and share in NHS

• Not enough lived experience input

OPPORTUNITIES

• 2-way text messaging system with patients

• Protected learning time eBook, case studies, reflective skills share

• Lead people with local teams to attend special interest groups/national events and feedback to teams

• More accessible letters and clear information/expectations communicated about appointments

• Co-produce with experts by experience at a local level

LOGO -

NHS Fife, NHS Education for Scotland, NHS Lothian, Inspiring Scotland, Scottish Government

Acknowledgments -

Thank you to:

• 22 co-creators within the Mental Health Occupational Therapy Service, NHS Fife, for participating in 3 focus groups across December 2024 - January 2025.

• NHS Education for Scotland for funding the project as part of the AHP Careers Fellowship 2024-25.

• Ursula Duff (Speech & Language Therapist) for being a project partner in NHS Lothian area.

• Inspiring Scotland for supporting and encouraging this project, and for printing this poster.

• Scottish Government for funding and supporting the development of the 'Autism Informed Services' eBook