Table 2

Virtual meeting sequence of activities.

Days 1–2
Introduction. Potential topic areas put forward, maximum one per member

Days 3–9
Discussion phase: exploration of potential topic areas
Day 10
Chair prepares summaries
Days 11–14
Voting. Members vote for their preferred three topic areas
Day 15–16
Vignettes prepared by project team
Days 17–19
Members view vignettes and make comments

Phase 1.
Proposing, discussing and deciding on topic areas.

Pre day 1
Members receive hard copies of proposals relevant to their sub-committee
Days 1–7
Discussion at sub-committee level
Day 8
Sub-committee Chairs prepare brief statements for General Forum. Remaining proposals needed for General Forum couriered to members.
Days 9–15
Discussion at General Forum level.
Days 16–17
Chair prepares summary of discussion and options portfolio
Days 18–19
Members vote on options

Phase 2.
Reviewing and selecting proposals for funding from within selected topic areas

Morgan et al. Health Research Policy and Systems 2007 5:8   doi:10.1186/1478-4505-5-8