Consumer Participation in Community Health Services: Lessons from Overseas

Community and consumer participation in community health services (CHS) is first examined from the viewpoint of roles that such groups can play in reforming national health services. A number of options for Australian consumer participation are examined from the experience of other nations. The theoretical literature on participation is briefly examined for paradigms. Finally, the future of consumer participation in CHS is related to the fragmented social and industrial planning mosaic in Australia.