Cost-containment in the Netherlands: government policy versus public opinion

This article deals with the lack of information on the side of policy makers, especially the national government, on the opinions of the population with regard to cost-containment. Often important policy matters are developed before the preferences of the public have been adequately sounded. An insight into the view of the public can be obtained by representative surveys among the population. In the article the results are given of a survey conducted in 1984. One of the conclusions is that there are well-balanced opinions on cost-containment in health care among the public. It appears that the public is willing to accept financial cuts, even up to 10%. The public would also agree on less use of hospital beds. However, a majority of the public rejects a reduction of beds. Another conclusion reached by the authors is, that the government should give more information to the public about the consequences of less use of beds, in relation to the total amount of beds, in financial as well as in medical respect.