GPs and managers. What the doctors saw

Low morale among many GPs was the trigger for a survey which examined the causes of communication breakdowns and misunderstandings. Mollie McBride and colleagues outline the results.

Bill Clinton: scalpel at the ready

Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton has put comprehensive reform of the U.S. health system near the top of his agenda, vowing to put a plan before Congress within the first 100 days of his administration. And, working with a Democrat-controlled Congress weary of health policy gridlock, Clinton might have the leeway he needs to push major reform ahead. But the candidate's track record in Arkansas suggests the five-term governor is more comfortable forging consensus instead of leaping into the unknown.

America speaks. Was anyone listening?

Town meetings are a uniquely American political device intended to allow citizens to have a voice in the course of the local or even national policymaking process. On January 14, 1992, Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives conducted 140 such meetings to discuss health care reform. While the discussions ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime, Americans made it clear that they are fed up with a current system that they believe costs too much and provides too little. But a key question remains: Who, if anyone, was listening? House Democrats appear determined to avoid specifics and to pin President Bush with an "anti-health" label. The strategy is a risky one; a riled up populace could well turn against those who convinced them to be concerned in the first place.