Consumer participation and influence in a Health Systems Agency

Consumer participation and influence were studied in one Health Systems Agency in the southeastern United States over a 20-month period (July 1976--February 1978). Consumer board members were found to be significantly less influential in agency decision making than were provider board members. This difference in influence existed even though virtually no difference existed between consumers' and providers' levels of participation. Consumer board members, while representing minority and nonminority, and both rural and nonrural groups, tended nevertheless also to be middle-class, middle-income individuals. Low-income and working-class groups were underrepresented on the board of the Health Systems Agency. Furthermore, consumer representatives tended to be satisfied with and have access to health care.