A Method for Investigating Consumers' Perspectives on Health Care: Health Promotion a Case Illustration

A study attempted to determine health care preferences by assessing consumer understanding of primary health care issues and by determining the importance of various aspects of primary care. Members of 10 community groups were interviewed, including: 1. office workers, 2. mothers of small children, 3. members of a volleyball club, and 4. a senior citizens' church group. The interviews indicated that health promotion is more important to most respondents than treatment of disease. Consumers compared health promotion to traditional medical care, noting that physicians are either uninterested or lack the training to offer this service. Consumers urged health care professionals to integrate health promotion services and educational programs into their practices and to become more knowledgeable about such programs.