Oral Presentation 49th Nutrition Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Co-designing polycystic ovary syndrome lifestyle resources: A patient-centred approach for population-level implementation (130040)

Margaret McGowan 1 , Stephanie Cowan 1 , Lisa J Moran 1 , Ashley H Ng 1
  1. Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia

Patient-centred care represents the gold standard in nutrition management, consistently demonstrating superior outcomes across multiple health variables by incorporating patients' experiences and preferences into treatment decisions(1). While this approach is well-established in clinical practice, translating patient-centred principles to population-level health resources remains challenging. Co-design methodologies offer a framework for developing lifestyle resources in conjunction with those who will benefit from them, ensuring that it meets their needs. As a result, this facilitates better resource implementation through improved resource uptake. This study applies co-design principles to lifestyle resource development, in the context Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) lifestyle management resources. We aimed to demonstrate how co-design methodologies can be applied and implemented to create more patient centred resources through a pragmatic process that can be adopted by other health professionals. We utilised a comprehensive co-design approach involving 11 individuals with PCOS and 20 health professionals. The methodology utilised the LAUNCH (Linking and Amplifying User-Centred Networks through Connected Health) framework incorporating seven key phases: problem identification, contextual discovery, problem defining, solution ideation, prototype refining, implementation and testing(2). Specific techniques included facilitated workshops, design-thinking sessions, prototyping and iterative user testing. Throughout the process, we actively managed power sharing, balancing different perspectives, ensure all opinion and values were equally represented and respected, particularly amplifying the perspectives of those with lived PCOS experience. Across four online workshops, participants engaged in a range of verbal and written activities. A critical barrier to lifestyle management for all was the lack of explanation regarding the rationale behind lifestyle recommendations specific to PCOS pathophysiology. Co-design sessions revealed that participants prioritised visual communication strategies and contextualised explanations that clearly linked lifestyle recommendation to PCOS-specific metabolic and hormonal mechanisms. Those with PCOS had a preference for more in-depth explanations of “why” than health professionals’ thought was necessary.  The iterative design process resulted in resources that emphasised visual elements and provided clear explanations of "why" specific lifestyle modifications are recommended in the context of PCOS management, to the detail level desire by those with PCOS. This research demonstrates the practical application of co-design principles. The methodology successfully allowed participants to share their experience and have equal opportunity to contribute to the resource development. The combination of co-design framework and guiding principles presented provides health professionals with concrete strategies for applying co-design methodologies for resource development across population-level health contexts for the impactful implementation of patient centred care. Co-design methodologies offer a valuable tool for developing lifestyle resource that better align with stakeholder needs and preferences. This PCOS project provides a replicable model and example for nutrition professionals seeking to implement evidence-based co-design approaches in their research or clinical outcomes, potentially improving intervention effectiveness and user engagement across various contexts. 

  1. Rathert C, Wyrwich MD & Boren SA (2012) Med Care Res Rev 70, 351-379
  2. Aronoff-Spencer E, McComsey M, Chih M-Y, et al. (2022) J Med Internet Res 24, e29492