Addressing the information needs of informal carers in Malawi: a healthcare intervention based on co-creation

Zamani, Efpraxia D.; Sbaffi, Laura; Kalua, Khumbo

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to address the unmet information needs of Malawian informal carers. We report on a three-year project which we co-created with informal carers, medical doctors and NGOs with the view to disseminate health advisory messages.

Design/methodology/approach
This study was developed on the principles of co-production. The impact of our health advisory messaging approach was assessed through observations and questionnaire-based surveys for quality, clarity and usefulness.

Findings
The messages were disseminated beyond the local support groups and reached a much wider community via word of mouth. The messages also led to short and medium term benefits for informal carers and their loved ones.

Originality/value
Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the contextual conditions of informal caring and that of co-producing interventions with the people these aim to benefit.

Citation

Zamani, E. D., Sbaffi, L., & Kalua, K. (2024). Addressing the information needs of informal carers in Malawi: a healthcare intervention based on co-creation. Journal of Documentation, 80(1), 131-157. https://doi.org/10.1108/jd-12-2022-0264

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 19, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jun 19, 2023
• Publication Date: Jan 2, 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 15, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Documentation
• Print ISSN: 0022-0418
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 80
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 131-157
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/jd-12-2022-0264
• Keywords: Library and Information Sciences; Information Systems
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1717998
• Related Public URLs: https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/199719/