Relevance for Public Health

This method for doing exchange was originally created for resolved fragmentation in the mental health services and the justice system, specifically related to substance abuse clients involved in the penal system. This method is applicable to any area of public health where problem-solving and consensus is required. In order to implement this nine-step method in public health, the following four elements must apply: 1) leadership and community ownership; 2) network of stakeholders who need consensus; 3) requirement for a process of consensus building; 4) continuing dialogue for ongoing dissemination of decisions made through consensus.

Description

This method for doing exchange provides a collaborative consensus-building approach to policy-making through knowledge exchange with stakeholders. This method was developed to help determine the most appropriate process for transferring expert knowledge to practitioners, policy-makers and other stakeholders. The nine-step process for consensus and exchange is a formalized method of group decision-making guided by a facilitator. Communal knowledge is created as all stakeholders contribute their own expertise. This method draws on the theoretical and philosophical work of Habermas related to “community empowerment.” This method was not created for public health, but could be applied to any public health context. No information regarding evaluation was available.

This method is guided by an independent facilitator who is neutral to the problem/issue requiring consensus and trained in facilitation and consensus-building techniques so that the goals and processes of this method can be understood. Potential participants include policy-makers, public health practitioners, content experts, researchers, advocacy groups, individual consumers and their family members, and other key stakeholders.

Yes - a facilitator to lead the process.

There are nine steps for using this method: 1) Identify relevant issues for problem-solving or consensus. 2) Form the group that will achieve consensus. 3) Articulate the project scope. 4) Develop a shared vision of the desired outcomes. 5) Identify barriers to implementation and methods to overcome those barriers. 6) Implement identified methods to overcome barriers. 7) Develop an action plan and pilot proposed solutions. 8) Measure progress. 9) Refine and implement successful solutions.

Michael Franczak and Christine Dye.

Not specified.

Dr. Nahama Broner (author source article) Research Director of Forensic Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis Projects Ehrenkrantz School of Social Work Institute Against Violence New York University 838 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, New York, 100003

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Reference

Broner, N., Franczak, M., Dye, C., & McAllister, W. (2001). Knowledge transfer, policymaking and consensus empowerment: A consensus model approach for providing mental health and substance abuse services. Psychiatric Quarterly, 72(1), 79-102.

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