A fair range of choice: justifying maximum patient choice in the British National Health Service

Health Care Anal. 2007 Jun;15(2):59-72. doi: 10.1007/s10728-006-0032-6.

Abstract

In this paper I put forward an ethical argument for the provision of extensive patient choice by the British National Health Service. I base this argument on traditional liberal rights to freedom of choice, on a welfare right to health care, and on a view of health as values-based. I argue that choice, to be ethically sustainable on this basis, must be values-based and rational. I also consider whether the British taxpayer may be persuadable with regard to the moral acceptability of patient choice, making use of Rawls' theory of political liberalism in this context. I identify issues that present problems in terms of public acceptance of choice, and also identify a boundary issue with regard to public health choices as against individual choices.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Competitive Behavior*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Morals
  • Patient Rights*
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Public Health*
  • Public Policy
  • Social Justice*
  • Social Welfare
  • State Medicine
  • United Kingdom