• P Dolan, R Cookson, and B Ferguson.
• Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York YO1 5DD. P.Dolan@sheffield.ac.uk
• BMJ. 1999 Apr 3; 318 (7188): 916-9.

ObjectiveTo investigate the extent to which people change their views about priority setting in health care as a result of discussion and deliberation.DesignA random sample of patients from two urban general practices was invited to attend two focus group meetings, a fortnight apart.SettingNorth Yorkshire Health Authority.Subjects60 randomly chosen patients meeting in 10 groups of five to seven people.Main Outcome MeasuresDifferences between people's views at the start of the first meeting and at the end of the second meeting, after they have had an opportunity for discussion and deliberation, measured by questionnaires at the start of the first meeting and the end of the second meeting.ResultsRespondents became more reticent about the role that their views should play in determining priorities and more sympathetic to the role that healthcare managers play. About a half of respondents initially wanted to give lower priority to smokers, heavy drinkers, and illegal drug users, but after discussion many no longer wished to discriminate against these people.ConclusionThe public's views about setting priorities in health care are systematically different when they have been given an opportunity to discuss the issues. If the considered opinions of the general public are required, surveys that do not allow respondents time or opportunity for reflection may be of doubtful value.

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