Anders Anell
Professor
Choice and participation in the health services : A survey of preferences among Swedish residents
Author
Summary, in English
Extending the possibilities for health-service consumers to choose among providers has been an important objective on the political agenda in Sweden and elsewhere. Little is known, however, about individual and group preferences concerning the demand for choices. It is often implicitly assumed that individuals can be treated as a group with similar values and demands, but is this true? To what extent do individuals want more options in health care? Do preferences vary depending on age, education and place of living? This article explores these questions, starting from a survey of 2000 residents in four Swedish counties. The results of the survey point to many similarities, but also indicate important differences among residents. In particular, preferences seem to vary significantly depending on age and level of education. On the one hand, older people are more favourably inclined towards the free choice of physician. On the other hand, members of the younger generation, as well as well-educated residents, demand a more active part in the process of medical decision making. These differences, as well as expectations from younger generations, pose a great challenge to the future management of health services.
Publishing year
1997-05-01
Language
English
Pages
157-168
Publication/Series
Health Policy
Volume
40
Issue
2
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Elsevier
Topic
- Business Administration
Keywords
- Choice
- Participation
- Patient-physician relation
- Preferences
- Swedish health services
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0168-8510