Abstract

As its title suggests this book's main area of inquiry is the rationale for, and methodology of, public involvement in priority setting. Mullen and Spurgeon set out to evaluate a number of assumptions and hard issues in priority setting. In doing so they have a produced a volume that is both a useful introduction to this area and a worthy piece of research on an important theme. They begin by contextualising the debate about prioritisation within the recent history of health system reform in the UK and other nations. This move enables them to give an analysis of considerable scope. They are not just interested in rationing …