This paper addresses the rising public expectations that are driving health debates in the UK. Part of the Policy futures for UK health - Pathfinder Technical Series.
Marian Barnes documents the process of increased public involvement in decision-making in health policy and health care services that has been a feature of the last 20 years.
She posits user or consumer involvement in health as a challenge to professional and expert authority, which will have further consequences for the organisation and administration of health care services if there is to be real 'partnership' between users and professionals in the future. Her paper reflects wider movements in public expectations, including use of the Internet amongst consumers of health care, that are likely to drive health expectations in the future.