Table 3 Thematic definitions of policy dialogue

Outcome oriented policy dialogue

• Integrated approach to health questions and development of consensual strategic documents

• Process to achieve mutual objectives jointly with partners

• A dynamic process involving all stakeholders through appropriate frameworks for exchange and consultation on ideas in the conduct of policy issues with the aim of having a consensus around a plan

• Exchanging ideas for the development of various strategic documents, and implementation arrangements and monitoring of programmes

• An approach that brings everybody together to solve health problems

• Dialogue that binds all health workers to identify solutions to strengthen the health system

• Dialogue between stakeholders to achieve consensus on management of the health sector and on responsive, contextualised and implementable policies

• Involvement of all stakeholders in discussions to find solutions, inform implementation and improve service delivery

• Dialogue among stakeholders to ensure harmonisation, seek commitment and find solutions to health problems

Policy dialogue as a tool (operational oriented policy dialogue)

• Tool to stop international partners from imposing their views and ideas

• Collaboration with partners on health policy

• Tool to strengthen cohesion in the implementation of sectoral policies by all stakeholders

Process oriented definition

• Mechanism for the Ministry of Health to provide leadership

• Reconciliation mechanism between donor and recipient

• Process that can set up a good health system for the benefit of the people

• Process for pooling interventions around a single pillar for guidance

• Series of consultative meetings

• Coordination of stakeholders, ensuring participatory approaches for all stakeholders

• Discussions of policy documents that help ministries of health to implement their strategic plans

• Means to build the capacities of ministries of health in different areas

• Mechanisms for stakeholders to provide technical input into health policies

• Series of consultative meetings

• Dialogue of stakeholders to discuss health policies

Forum/platform oriented policy dialogue

• A partnership among stakeholders

• Platform or mechanisms to ensure stakeholder input into policies and to pool resources to meet the health needs of populations

• Forum that brings together different interest groups that are committed to addressing health issues

Interactive knowledge-sharing policy dialogue

• A process of exchanging ideas and sharing evidence to inform policy development and implementation