Synergistic action among multiple stakeholders was achieved through enabling processes at the interpersonal, operational and system levels. The results highlight partnership complexity and the dynamic and contingent nature of partnership processes. The instrument was administered to five partnerships ( n = 54). Qualitative data were collected through the observation of 14 partnership meetings and individual semi-structured interviews ( n = 16) and informed the adaptation of an existing Partnership Self-Assessment Tool. The study involved five multi-stakeholder partnerships in Canada and Australia working towards improving accessibility to primary health care for vulnerable populations. This article presents findings from a mixed methods study conducted with the aim of understanding partnership processes and how various partnership factors contribute to partnership effectiveness. Partnerships are widely endorsed, but there is a need to strengthen the evidence base relating to claims of their effectiveness. Partnerships are an important mechanism to tackle complex problems that extend beyond traditional organizational divides.

V. synergy health partners