title: What makes intersectoral partnerships for health promotion work? A review of the international literature.
abstract: A Health in All Policies approach requires creating and sustaining intersectoral partnerships for promoting population health. This scoping review of the international literature on partnership functioning provides a narrative synthesis of findings related to processes that support and inhibit health promotion partnership functioning. Searching a range of databases, the review includes 26 studies employing quantitative (n = 8), qualitative (n = 10) and mixed method (n = 8) designs examining partnership processes published from January 2007 to June 2015. Using the Bergen Model of Collaborative Functioning as a theoretical framework for analyzing the findings, nine core elements were identified that constitute positive partnership processes that can inform best practices: (i) develop a shared mission aligned to the partners' individual or institutional goals; (ii) include a broad range of participation from diverse partners and a balance of human and financial resources; (iii) incorporate leadership that inspires trust, confidence and inclusiveness; (iv) monitor how communication is perceived by partners and adjust accordingly; (v) balance formal and informal roles/structures depending upon mission; (vi) build trust between partners from the beginning and for the duration of the partnership; (vii) ensure balance between maintenance and production activities; (viii) consider the impact of political, economic, cultural, social and organizational contexts; and (ix) evaluate partnerships for continuous improvement. Future research is needed to examine the relationship between these processes and how they impact the longer-term outcomes of intersectoral partnerships.
authors: Department of Health and Community Studies, Western Washington University, Miller Hall, 317B, MS 9091, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
authors: J Hope
authors: JH
authors: Corbin
authors: Member of Healthy Ireland Council, 5 Presentation Rd., Galway, Ireland.
authors: Jacky
authors: J
authors: Jones
authors: Research School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors: Margaret M
authors: MM
authors: Barry
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006295:Health Resources; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D000070516:Intersectoral Collaboration; D007857:Leadership; D000075485:Population Health; D011640:Public Policy
keywords: health policy; intersectoral partnerships; literature review; partnerships