Consumer Engagement in Chronic Conditions Research: An Integrated Framework Informed by Recognition Theory - UTU Research Portal

A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Consumer Engagement in Chronic Conditions Research: An Integrated Framework Informed by Recognition Theory

Authors: Zhou, Mingming; Parkinson, Anne; Watts, Leanne; Veitch, Julie; Suominen, Hanna; Desborough, Jane

Publisher: Wiley

Publication year: 2026

Journal: Health Expectations

Article number: e70615

Volume: 29

Issue: 1

ISSN: 1369-6513

eISSN: 1369-7625

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70615

Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access

Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address : https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70615

Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515719507

Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY

Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF

Abstract

Background

Consumer engagement ensures that health research reflects lived experiences and generates outcomes relevant to those most affected. However, frameworks guiding engagement in research about chronic conditions remain limited and often lack theoretical grounding.

Objective

To develop an integrated, evidence-based framework to support consumer engagement in research about chronic conditions.

Methods

We integrated findings from (1) a scoping review synthesising evidence-based resources supporting consumer engagement in research about chronic conditions (Resource Framework) and (2) a co-designed framework for recognising consumers' contributions to research within the Australian context (Recognition Framework). Our integration deployed the relational, structural, and symbolic domains of Honneth's recognition theory as an analytical lens and used joint displays to develop a comprehensive framework.

Results

The framework demonstrates how relational, structural, and symbolic dimensions of recognition collectively support ethical and sustainable consumer engagement. Relational recognition (e.g., mutual learning, ongoing communication) strengthens interpersonal trust and shared decision-making; structural recognition (e.g., governance policies, remuneration, reimbursement) embeds engagement within institutional systems; and symbolic recognition (e.g., authorship, formal acknowledgement) legitimises consumers' expertise within research cultures. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive foundation for supporting meaningful engagement across research practices.

Conclusion

This integrated recognition theory-informed framework offers an evidence-based tool to inform the design and implementation of consumer engagement in research about chronic conditions. By positioning recognition for consumers' contribution as an ethical, structural, and symbolic principle, it offers a transferable framework to strengthen participatory practice and advance equity in research. While developed for chronic conditions research, the framework is likely transferable with contextual tailoring to other settings.

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Health Expectations - 2026 - Zhou - Consumer Engagement in Chronic Conditions Research An Integrated Framework Informed by.pdf

Funding information in the publication:
The authors received no specific funding for this work.
Open access publishing facilitated by Australian National University, as part of the Wiley ‐ Australian National University agreement via the Council of Australasian University Librarians.