Are we all on the same page? A qualitative study of the facilitation challenges associated with the implementation of deliberative priority-setting

ABSTRACT

Collaborative governance has given rise to decision-making methodologies promoting democracy, inclusivity and transparency. This is exemplified by deliberative priority-setting (DPS) that blends cost-effectiveness analysis with stakeholder deliberation. Little is known however, about the facilitation challenges when ‘technical’ and ‘social’ elements are combined in a methodology. This paper investigates the facilitation challenges of implementing a DPS project within the English National Health Service (NHS). Our study examines the relationship between facilitation and the effectiveness of DPS processes, highlighting the importance of knowledge management as facilitators seek to translate technical information, to enhance the deliberative experience and promote legitimate decisions.

KEYWORDS:

• Decision-making
• deliberation
• qualitative research
• priority-setting
• collaborative governance

Acknowledgements

Justin Waring was supported by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care East Midlands.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Health Foundation, NHS, the Department of Health and the NIHR.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The research was funded by the Health Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Amanda Crompton

Amanda Crompton is interested in public engagement in the policy process. Within this context she has examined the power dynamics between different stakeholders and the construction of policy narratives.  Her recent works have been published in Policy and Politics and Sociology of Health and Illness.

Justin Waring

Justin Waring's research examines the changing organization and governance of public services, with a particular focus on the work, culture and identity of healthcare professionals and managers.

Bridget Roe

Bridget Roe was awarded an MA in Management and Organizational Analysis at Warwick Business School.  Her PhD in Business and Management used practice perspectives on knowledge to study professional socialization in the context of current developments in policy and healthcare.

Rebecca O’Connor

Rebecca O'Connor is a doctoral student whose research interests include health service commissioning and management, integrated care and care pathways.