Lay summary
Young people may feel that clinical notes are written about them rather than with them. This can lead to disempowerment and damage to trust within the therapeutic relationship. An underexplored solution is co-writing notes. This research project will investigate the views of young people (aged 14–25) and clinicians on co-writing clinical notes. We will conduct exploratory focus groups with young people and clinicians to investigate how co-writing clinical notes may impact the care received in mental health services. This research is expected to contribute to improved youth mental health outcomes by strengthening young people’s involvement in their own care. It innovatively reframes the routine act of notetaking within services as a key part of the therapeutic relationship between clinicians and young people. Co-writing notes could significantly enhance the care that young people receive within mental health services.