OBJECTIVES To explore the use of a questionnaire to obtain representative public opinions on health services. To examine residents' priorities, knowledge, and views on the public's role in decision making. DESIGN Self administered postal questionnaire. POPULATION Random sample of 1500 residents in Bath District Health Authority, drawn from electoral registers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Levels...

Long-term outcome studies are frequently hindered by a decreasing frequency of patient follow-up with the treating surgeon over time. Whether this attrition represents a "loss of faith" in their index surgeon or the realities of a geographically mobile society has never been assessed in a population of patients undergoing spinal surgery. The purpose of this article is to determine the frequency...