[A multidimensional tool to measure quality of social participation in health].

Health strategies, programs and activities have historically been the result of institutional practices with a limited participatory component. Traditionally, institutional action is mainly determined by the criteria of the political actors and, in the best of cases, by the criteria of healthcare professionals. New forms of governance for health equity advocate for the inclusion of the community in the design of strategies, programmes and activities in health.

[Participatory tools and methods for community action. SESPAS Report 2018].

Participation is a process that requires the involvement of the policy makers, managers, technicians and staff of the institutions, and of citizens, as well as intersectoral and interdisciplinary action. To generate transformative changes, an infrastructure that encourages participation and planned action is required, and that recognises all the actors in the process. It takes time and commitment to ensure continuity through the joint production of actions, hence the importance of consolidating participatory projects that continue beyond political changes making public services sustainable.