Data Sheet 1_From evidence to action: expert perspectives on stakeholder dialogues in Swiss health policy.pdf

Yet little is known about the practical reasoning behind their design, conduct, and use. This study investigated how researchers and public-health professionals conceptualise and operationalise stakeholder dialogues, with a primary focus on Switzerland’s federal, multilingual health system and broader relevance to other settings.</p>Methods<p>We conducted semi-structured interviews with fourteen experts involved in designing, facilitating, or implementing stakeholder dialogues in Switzerland and internationally.

Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p>Results<p>Stakeholder dialogues emerged as structured, evidence-informed discussions linking research to implementation. Success depended on high-quality evidence briefs, skilled neutral facilitation, and inclusive formats enabling equal participation. Consensus was not required; clarified disagreement and transparent reasoning were legitimate outcomes.