Modifying and implementing a public engagement tool (CHAT) for priority setting for health in a rural South African context

Public engagement in priority setting for health is recognised as a means to ensure more inclusive, fair and legitimate decision making processes, especially in the context of Universal Health Coverage where demands outweigh available resources. Deliberative methods are often viewed as particularly useful but their implementation is scant, especially in low and middle income settings. This presentation focuses on the modification and implementation of a public deliberation tool in a rural community in South Africa to determine priorities for a health services package. The research demonstrate that deliberative engagement methods can be successful in helping communities balance trade-offs and in eliciting social values around health priorities. The findings from such deliberations, alongside other evidence and broader ethical considerations, have the potential to inform decision-making with regard to health policy design and implementation.