Consensus Generation in Pathology

MENTORING ASPECTS AND HOW RULES ARE ESTABLISHED, THE EXAMPLE OF BANFF TRANSPLANT PATHOLOGY MEETING DISCUSSIONS

RONGJIA LIU

What is consensus decision making?

• Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition: consensus• 1. general agreement, the judgement arrived at by most of those

concerned

2. group solidarity in sentiment and belief

• A process used by groups seeking to generate widespread levels of participation and agreement on topics of discussion

• Highly effective decision making method

Traditional consensus facilitation

• Consensus facilitator is a profession

• Professional training and certification available

• Usually the facilitator would not be an expert on the discussion topic and would be a neutral third party

• However…

Banff Conferences on Transplant Pathology Consensus

- The facilitator can be a well-known pathologist who is expert in the discussion topics

- Often the leader of the group

- So, is there a way for an expert in the discussion topic to also act as the consensus facilitator?

Listening With a Point of View

KANER S, WITH LIND L, TOLDI C, FISK S, BERGER D (2007) FACILITATOR’S GUIDE TO PARTICIPATORY DECISION-MAKING, 2ND EDN. SAN FRANCISCO, CA: JOSSEY-BASS.

Listening with a point of view

• Answers the question “How does the expert promote his or her own point of view effectively, while still making room for all other opinions to be voiced?”

• The person playing the dual role has two mind-sets:• The leader’s mind-set: responsible for clarifying his or her own

thinking and communicating it effectively• Facilitator’s mind-set: care about helping the group do its best

thinking, wanting to support others to develop their lines of thought

• Five-step process that supports this person to balance both roles

Step 1

• Raise the issue that is to be discussed

• State your position

Step 2

• Ask for reactions from the audience

Step 3

• Respond to participants’ comments as a facilitator would

• Paraphrase and draw people out

• Many people find it hard to challenge authority; they may need extra support to risk voicing a differing opinion

Step 4

• After at least 2 moves of facilitative listening, give yourself the floor to speak

• Make statements that reflect your own perspective

• Answer questions, provide information, explain, advocate

Step 5

• Repeat Steps 2-4 as needed

• Remember to balance expressing your own point of view with at least twice as much facilitative listening

Thank you for your time!!