Value co-creating activities in micro-level healthcare : A qualitative study of value co-creation in dental care

Abstract: This research paper explores the value co-creating activities from a micro-level healthcare perspective by investigating value co-creation in dental clinics. Previous research on the subject of co-creation of value has directed its focus to higher-level healthcare with advanced illnesses, chronic diseases and complicated processes with many interactions. This research paper expands the theoretical research and provides valuable practical insight for dental clinics by adding a perspective where there is a low level of interaction. Through interviews with dentists and a focus group discussion with patients it is concluded that the co-creating activities of: cooperating, colearning, collating information, integrating networks, providing options, and designing environments, are present on the micro-level healthcare. Furthermore, contrary to existing literature, it is concluded that the co-creation is commonly instigated by the dentist rather than the patient, and that the value co-creation can also be active on a psychological level, and not solely through physical interactions and activities.