Giving citizens a voice in healthcare policy in Canada

Abstract

In many countries people are struggling to set up good ways of eliciting the views of patients. In England, the model of citizens' juries has been pursued. In Canada, dialogue sessions with members of the public have been used to reframe the healthcare contract

The research priorities of patients attending UK cancer treatment centres: findings from a modified nominal group study

“…The study sought to elicit the views of 'unorganised' (as opposed to self-selecting and 'expert') cancer patients (Maxwell et al, 2003). Hence, participants (X18 years) were recruited through outpatient clinics in seven cancer centres across the UK on a sequential basis using a population sample stratified by gender and stage of treatment.…”

“…Involving patients in setting the research agenda is particularly important as their views may differ from current research practice and are more likely to reflect the interests of the general public and thus health care, public health and social care services (Tallon et al, 2000;Hanley et al, 2003). Furthermore, the legitimacy and sustainability of investment decisions made by research funding bodies will increasingly depend on how well they reflect the underlying values of the public (Maxwell et al, 2003).…”

Social capital and mental health

“…In short, while the rhetoric includes an empowering, bottom-up perspective with regard to "people control", the overall sense is of having to change the world in a way that only governments and major players can do -in short, a top-down, "we know best" perspective. This is the core dilemma for health promotion and mental health promotion, but -in a broader sense -the same dilemma applies to any democracy: that is, to what extent do the wishes of communities and ordinary people actually play a role in overall political decision-making (see MacKinnon, 2003;Maxwell et al, 2003;Phillips & Orsini, 2002).…”

“…Analysis of the health status of populations and its determinants has revealed how major economic, political and social decisions taken at the macro level by governments (for example, economic restructuring) can impact negatively on people's lives, health, mental health and well-being . At the opposite end of the spectrum, when these decisions are taken within a partnership and participatory approach that fully recognizes and supports individuals and communities in their capacity for self-determination, they become instrumental in major social changes that are beneficial to the whole population (Maxwell et al, 2003;MacKinnon, 2003;Phillips & Orsini, 2002). Mental health and social policies that espouse an empowering approach allowing for the participation and reinforcement of individuals' and communities' capacities to take control over their destinies would undoubtedly contribute directly to the health and wealth of populations and nations.…”

Demographic factors and attitudes that influence the support of the general public for the introduction of universal healthcare in Ireland: A national survey

“…It is increasingly understood that citizens should be a stakeholder in framing health policy decisions (25) and it is recognised that citizens' values should define the boundaries of action in healthcare in any democracy (26)(27)(28)(29). This is particularly the case for UHC as patients and the public have been identified as key enablers for the implementation of any universal programme (30).…”