Towards a conceptual framework of lay evaluation of health care

It is argued in this paper that much of the empirical research into the public's and patients' perceptions of the adequacy of health care has suffered from conceptual weaknesses. In addition, and maybe as a result of these weaknesses, a contradictory pattern of findings has emerged from this research. To overcome some of these problems it is suggested that an investigation of lay evaluation of health care should be carried out within a conceptual framework which incorporates the following elements. (i) The goals of those seeking health care in each specific instance. (ii) The level of experience of use of health care. (iii) The socio-political values upon which the particular health care system is based. (iv) The images of health held by the lay population. Each of these elements interrelates with the others and their influence will be mediated through socio-demographic characteristics of the service users.