Patient Choice in the NHS: The View from Economic Sociology

Author: Greener I.

Source: Social Theory & Health, Volume 1, Number 1, May 2003 , pp. 72-89(18)

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Abstract:

This paper utilises Callon's economic sociological framework to examine a series of interviews with parents in Bristol, UK, discussing with them their attitude to choice of GP and primary school. The present wave of NHS reforms (Department of Health, 2001, Office of Public Service Reform, 2002, Secretary of State for Health, 2002) demonstrates a refocusing of policy once again on patient choice, and so attempting to understand the phenomenon appears especially salient. The paper then explores the role of trust in health relationships, presenting a model that parallels Lukes' three faces of power, in order to attempt to further illuminate the relationship between patient and doctor, and its relationship to ‘choice’. Finally, the policy conclusions of the analysis are presented.Social Theory & Health (2003) 1, 72–89. doi:10.1057/palgrave.sth.8700002

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.sth.8700002

Affiliations: 1: 1University of York., Email: ig6@york.ac.uk

Publication date: 2003-05-01