Peer-reviewed article

Supporting Decision Making in Early Years Initiatives: Co-Designing a Child Health Evidence Dashboard.

Brittany J Johnson, Samantha Morgillo, Sarah Hunter, Lua Perimal-Lewis, Georgia Middleton et al. · 1 Oct 2026

Abstract

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Research has trialled many initiatives to support caregivers to shape young children's health behaviours. However, translating evidence to public health practice and policy is a challenge, in part due to access to such evidence. We aimed to co-design a child health evidence dashboard, and to understand the expected enablers and barriers to use of the dashboard with next-users (e.g., Australian child service managers, program planners). METHODS: Using an integrated knowledge translation approach, we conducted a mixed-methods study involving five online co-design workshops. Next-users were invited to participate in the workshops and completed pre- and post-workshop surveys. Pragmatic data analysis occurred after each workshop to identify next-user requirements and inform iterative dashboard development alongside workshops. RESULTS: 15 next-users participated in the workshop series (median of 9 per workshop). Next-user preferences were categorised into desired uses, content, features and functionality, and design for the dashboard. Key enablers to use of the dashboard included relevance, promotion and credibility of the dashboard, positive user experience, time and resources to support use of the dashboard. CONCLUSIONS: We identified what and how next-users want evidence on child health initiatives to inform policy and practice. Findings enabled development of an initial evidence dashboard prototype informed by next-user preferences. Understanding the enablers and barriers to using and engaging with the dashboard will inform ongoing development and implementation.