Lay care in illness

Abstract

This paper discusses lay care in illness with special reference to research and development in Northern Europe. The discussion concentrates on two components of lay care: individual self-care in illness and self-help groups. Individual self-care in illness is shaped in social environments, and in turn is a major determinant of the type and amount of health care services used. Self-help groups of all kinds have increased in recent years. Groups 'next' to the system and groups opposed to the system increased rapidly during the seventies. A form of self-help group that interfaces more directly with services is now being encouraged by physicians. Major issues concerned with these developments are considered.