Publication year: 2011
Source: Social Science & Medicine, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 1 September 2011
Bettina, Meinow , Marti G, Parker , Mats, Thorslund
In Sweden and other countries, the benefits of user choice and market forces are often voiced in relation to the provision of medical care and social services. Policy makers increasingly view people as customers and consumers of care services. Among very old people—the most frequent care users—how many have the capacity necessary to find information and make decisions concerning providers of medical and social services?Using a nationally representative sample of Swedes aged 77+ (SWEOLD) in 2002 this study describes the prevalence of cognitive, physical and sensory resources associated with the capacity to make and carry out informed choices concerning medical…