Enhancing public input into decision making: Development of the Calgary Regional Health Authority public participation framework

Public participation in shaping policy and decisions that affect health is receiving increased attention. In the health sector an imbalance exists between theory and practice. This article describes the development of a framework to promote public and community participation in one urban health authority, including the components of the public participation framework of purpose, values, guiding principles, and expected outcomes. A list of participation activities within the authority was obtained by survey. These activities are presented in relation to the conceptual framework. The article concludes with a series of recommended steps for applying the framework.