Table 3 Generic frame of the policy game In2Action

Kind of game

Role play; Real-life network game

Game environment

Simulated municipality (comparable to real-life)

Duration game

One day event of about 6 h

Game facilitator

- One facilitator leads the group of participants.

- Plays the role of City Council to approve developed HEPA^a implementation plan, based on the intervention cards (ideas) handed in.

Participants

Local and regional/county stakeholders who are or should be involved in the local HEPA^a policymaking process in the country case.

Roles in the game

- Each participant has a role close to their actual role/task in real-life.

- Nine roles are developed.

- Each role is played by a team of 2 to 3 participants.

- Additional roles, played by one of the members of the research teams: National Science Academy and City Council.

Starting point

- A HEPA^a policy of the simulated city is approved by the City Council

- Teams of participants (roles) are asked to work on a HEPA^a implementation plan taking into account the objectives of the strategic public health policy

Game theme

To develop a HEPA^a implementation plan in collaboration, to achieve the objectives of the approved strategic local HEPA^a policy.

Supporting material

- Intervention cards; developed intervention cards, ideas are written down and form the implementation plan and documented collaboration and use of knowledge

- Units to support intervention cards

- Newspaper, for inspiration of ideas and indicating needs

- Map of simulated municipality

- Strategic local HEPA^a policy

- Statistical health report

Course of the game

1. Introduction by facilitator

2. Familiarization with the material by participants

3. 2 cycles

4. Debriefing session