What is a Co-Production Event?

A co-production event is a chance for researchers to work with patients as a team. The feedback given by patients is used to shape and improve a project. The main goal of co-production is to make sure that whatever is being developed is useful, meaningful and truly tailored to those it is for.

About the MS Sleep and Wellbeing Co-Production Event

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On Saturday 24th May 2025, researchers from the TONiC study and LJMU ran a co-production event with patient and public representatives. The aim was to find out how best to develop wellbeing resources and a sleep intervention for people with MS.

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The researchers gave some short presentations on wellbeing and sleep for people with MS. We also looked at what kinds of resources are already out there, in terms of what might be helpful and what might be not be so helpful.

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We split into small focus groups, which was a chance for our patient and public representatives to tell us what is important for them when it comes to sleep and wellbeing.

“It was good to discuss things in person with others on the same journey and feed into the study.”

“I felt like I was contributing to the future.”

“It allowed us to put our views forward to develop something that could be really useful to people with MS.”

Sleep: Our Findings and Initial Ideas

Key Findings

The main findings from the sleep focus groups were that a sleep intervention would need to be personalised to the individual’s specific sleep struggles, and that components such as education, relaxation techniques and immediate support should be included, As the intervention will be developed as an application, its accessibility also needs to be considered.

How will we implement these findings?

To ensure personalisation, assessments of each individual’s sleep will be carried out at the beginning of the intervention.

An easy to navigate library of resources will be developed, including all of the components mentioned above.

To ensure accessibility, the app will have the option to personalise settings in relation to font size and colour. There will also be an option to have text read aloud. The written content within the app will be clear and easy to read.

Wellbeing: Our Findings and Initial Ideas

Key Findings

The main findings from the wellbeing focus groups were that people living with MS need a comprehensive website that offers both practical resources and social support. In response, the TONiC website will aim to develop a trusted space where individuals can learn about MS and access tools to feel more in control of their condition and everyday life.

How will we implement these findings in future?

The Experiences of the Patient and Public Representatives

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Practical Tools & Information

Guidance on MS symptoms and how to manage them
Information on the progression of symptoms, including how to distinguish them from ageing or other conditions
Information on new TONiC studies and findings

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Social Support

Advice on how to tell and talk about MS with family, friends, and employers
A peer space to share recommendations for MS-aware places (e.g. accessible restaurants)