Table 1 Definitions of consensus in, consensus out, and no consensus

Round 1

Any stakeholder group score as critical (7–9 points) ≥ 70% and not important (1–3 points) < 15%

All stakeholder group score as not important (1–3 points) by ≥ 70% and critical (7–9 points) by < 15%

Neither criterion of consensus in nor out are met

Action 1

Outcome retained for round 2

Outcome discarded before round 2 (to be ratified at consensus meeting)

Outcomes retained for round 2

Round 2

All stakeholder group score as critical (7–9 points) ≥ 70% and not important (1–3 points) < 15%

Any stakeholder group score not important (1–3 points) by ≥ 70% and critical (7–9 points) by < 15%

Neither criterion of consensus in nor out are met

Action 2

Outcome retained for consensus meeting

Outcome discarded before consensus meeting (to be ratified at consensus)

Outcomes retained for consensus meeting

Consensus meeting

All stakeholder group score as critical (7–9 points) ≥ 70% and not important (1–3 points) < 15%

Any stakeholder group score not important (1–3 points) by ≥ 70% and critical (7–9 points) by < 15%

Neither criterion of consensus in nor out are met

Action 3

Outcome retained

Outcome discarded

Outcomes retained for the next consensus meeting