Opinions of patients and the public regarding nhs priorities

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the views of patients and the pu blic on NHS priorities. Data were gathered by interview questionnaire throu ghout Edinburgh city centre, and within various departments of one large te aching hospital. Of the 1502 responses, 462 were from within the hospital a nd 1040 were from city centre locations. 1497 (99.7%) were in favour of tre ating emergencies, and 1467 (97.7%) life threatening conditions as a priori ty. 1315 (88%) agreed that treatable conditions that seriously affect quali ty of life should also be considered a priority and 1127 (75%) were in favo ur of treating patients with incurable terminal disease regardless of cost. In order to provide these services 584 (39%) considered it acceptable to m ake patients with less serious conditions wait longer of the 918 (61%) who considered it not acceptable to wait longer 812 (88%) would be prepared to pay more in tax to provide this. The General Public do support the treatmen t of emergency and life threatening conditions as an absolute priority. The majority also support the prioritisation of conditions which tire treatabl e and seriously affect quality of life. If in establishing these priorities waiting times for other conditions are likely to rise, the public would ge nerally accept increased taxation or some form of fee for service.