Introduction
In the realm of health promotion, creating effective intersectoral partnerships is crucial for achieving positive outcomes. The research article "What makes intersectoral partnerships for health promotion work? A review of the international literature" provides valuable insights into the processes that contribute to successful partnerships. By understanding these processes, practitioners can enhance their skills and create more effective collaborations.
The Core Elements of Successful Partnerships
The study utilizes the Bergen Model of Collaborative Functioning (BMCF) as a theoretical framework to identify nine core elements that constitute positive partnership processes. These elements are:
- Develop a shared mission aligned with partners' goals.
- Include diverse participation and balance resources.
- Incorporate leadership that inspires trust and inclusiveness.
- Monitor and adjust communication as needed.
- Balance formal and informal roles/structures.
- Build and maintain trust among partners.
- Ensure a balance between maintenance and production activities.
- Consider the impact of political, economic, cultural, social, and organizational contexts.
- Evaluate partnerships for continuous improvement.
Applying the Findings to Practice
Practitioners can use these findings to improve their partnership skills. Here are some actionable steps:
- Mission Alignment: Regularly revisit and align the partnership's mission with the goals of all partners to ensure shared vision and commitment.
- Diverse Participation: Actively seek diverse partners and balance human and financial resources to enhance the partnership's capacity.
- Leadership Development: Cultivate leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and trust-building. Regularly assess leadership effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
- Communication Strategies: Establish clear communication channels and regularly solicit feedback to ensure effective information flow.
- Role Clarity: Define roles and responsibilities clearly while allowing flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
- Trust Building: Implement trust-building activities from the outset and maintain them throughout the partnership.
- Contextual Awareness: Stay informed about the broader context affecting the partnership and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Continuous Evaluation: Regularly evaluate partnership processes and outcomes to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides a comprehensive overview of partnership processes, it also highlights the need for further research to understand the dynamic nature of these processes and their impact on long-term outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this research by documenting their experiences and sharing insights with the broader community.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: What makes intersectoral partnerships for health promotion work? A review of the international literature.
