Future directions

In this final paper, we summarise briefly the principal conclusions to emerge from the conference. We also review possible future directions in the light of the contributions of different authors and discussions at the conference. The paper argues that changes in the Swedish health services are both inevitable and desirable. The challenge is to maintain the strengths of the existing system while tackling widely acknowledged weaknesses. It is not yet clear what will emerge from the process of reform but the probable outcome is a period of innovation and experimentation leading to greater diversity in service provision. We argue that diversity is most likely to develop within the context of a continuing commitment to equity and comprehensiveness in the delivery of health care.