Initial awareness meeting

Some JLA Priority Setting Partnerships have held an initial awareness meeting in order to raise the profile of and garner support for the priority setting process. While this meeting is not compulsory, and may be dependent on the resources available to the Partnership, it can present the potential priority setting exercise to a wider audience. It is an opportunity to gauge interest and, if appropriate, secure involvement as partners.



Potential attendees are usually identified through the steering group members' networks and contacts. They may also be identified through the JLA register of Affiliates.

It is important that attendees know the purpose of the initial awareness meeting: to understand more about the process of research priority setting and to find out about the Priority Setting Partnership. It is also a chance to ask questions.

Documentation to help attendees make the most of the session should include:

Information sent in advance	Delegate packs on the day
Agenda	Agenda
Background information on the JLA	Presentation slides
Delegate biography request to explain interest in the condition	Delegate biographies
	Glossary of commonly-used terms
	Evaluation form

While the format may vary depending on the nature and number of attendees, the key elements to include are:

• information about the JLA and its aims and achievements
• context - how research is traditionally commissioned
• what treatment uncertainties are
• why the JLA process is significant  
• how the steering group became involved
• introduction to UK DUETs and its role in the priority setting process
• prioritising treatment uncertainties 
• how priority setting works - the practical steps
• potential outcomes of a priority setting process
• feedback, including how to access the relevant communities
• what happens next
• how to join the Priority Setting Partnership
• commitment required of partners
• timescales

The format should also include time for questions and discussion.

Numbers permitting, can also be helpful to break into small groups to discuss uncertainties in particular areas. These will have been identified in advance, and delegates will have indicated where their interests lie, to ensure everyone can participate in a discussion which is relevant to them.

This will give people the opportunity to put their points across and serve as a rough indicator of the areas and focus of uncertainties which the partnership is likely to uncover. It will also ensure delegates begin to understand their practical role as partners within the JLA process.

Click here to see the Agenda for the Type 1 Diabetes Priority Setting Partnership initial awareness meeting.

Click here to see the Agenda for the Prostate Cancer Priority Setting Partnership initial awareness meeting. The invitation to the meeting can be viewed on the JLA website - click here.

Click here to read the invitation to the Head and Neck Cancer Priority Setting Partnership initial awareness meeting. And click here to see videos of speakers on the day.