title: Public consultation. Up and ATAM (aims, timing, audience, method).
abstract: Although the NHS has some shining examples of public and user involvement, many still view it as an optional extra. Policy makers need to adopt a broader strategy for involving users, carers, staff and the wider public. Badly done public consultation will cause problems for policy makers, alienate participants and fuel public cynicism.
authors.affiliation: Camden and Islington Community Health Services Trust.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: D003256:Community Participation; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D006291:Health Policy; D011050:Policy Making; D011639:Public Opinion; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom