Involving patients & consumers. Health management guide

Everyone agrees, in principle, on the need to make health services more responsive to the views of users. While some progress has been made, an enormous gap still exists between political and managerial rhetoric, and the reality in most places. Yet some health service providers have found ways to give patients a more meaningful say in their treatment and care, and some organisations--purchasers and providers--have made real progress in involving patients and the community in planning and monitoring services. This Health Management Guide surveys changing attitudes and official policy towards involving patients and consumers, and describes some of the most promising practical initiatives in different parts of the NHS.