Information and involvement

This article discusses the beliefs that provision of good quality information is the key to (a) successful and satisfying involvement of patients in their own decision‐making and (b) involvement of lay people in the research process, in debate and other involvement in wider health issues. Education of children, health professionals, the public and the media is advocated, enabling critical appraisal skills and good quality health information to lead to improved involvement of citizens in health‐care decisions of all kinds, both individual and societal. Examples of individual, group and specific group involvement through research projects, debates about screening, Citizens’ Juries, etc. are used to illustrate benefits to patients and to health provision in general.