Structuring Meetings
The meetings were designed to not only identify what the common values and priorities of the participants were, but also used to engage the participants to learn from each other and understand other’s perspectives on the topic (see annotated agenda). To accomplish this, many tools were used: Q-sort methodology, facilitated breakout session discussions of hypothetical healthcare vignettes, and plenary discussions. The groups were made up of 8 participants and were lead by a professional facilitator and a note taker that captured the group’s discussion and outcome.
Q-Sort
This activity generated discussion around how limited, life-sustaining resources should be rationed in the event of an emergency. Participants were given
27 statements of real opinions given by the general public and health care experts. Participants then personally
ranked the statements from most important to least important. A discussion was conducted around the different interpretations of the statements and the groups came to a consensus as to what they consider to be the most and least important when prioritizing these resources.
Vignettes
Participants in small groups were moved from one station to another and asked to consider hypothetical scenarios or
“vignettes.” At each station, groups were asked to discuss the scenario and build on the discussion of the previous group. This process was intended to develop a progressive conversation that integrated the ideas of all the participants for a consistent outcome. Read the
summaries from each of the four meetings including the
agendas, lists of stakeholder participants, and detailed summaries of the
deliberations and outcomes.