Morality, consumerism and the internal market in health care

Journal/Book: J Med Ethics. 1997; 23: Tavistock House East, Tavistock Square, London, England WC1H 9JR. Prof Sci Publ. 71-76.

Abstract: Unlike the managerially oriented reforms that have brought auditing and accounting into such prominence in the UK National Health Service (NHS), and which seem alien to the culture of the caring professions, consumerist reforms may seem to complement moves towards the acceptance of wide definitions of health, and towards increasing patient autonomy. The empowerment favoured by those who support patient autonomy sounds like the sort of empowerment that is sometimes associated with the patient's charter. For this reason moral criticism of recent NHS reforms may stop short of calling consumerism into question. This, however, would be a mistake: consumerism can be objectionable both within and beyond the health care market.

Note: Article Sorell T, Univ Essex, Dept Philosophy, Colchester CO4 3SQ, Essex, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): UK National Health Service; internal marker; patient's charter; patient's rights; insurance; NHS

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