This volume of Health Policy Developments examines topics that are high on the health policy agendas across industrialized countries: a public call for more transparency and participation in decision-making the continuing search for the most appropriate level of competencies and health service delivery the use of information technology in the provision and continuity of care This series analyzes reforms aimed to overcome obstacles and deadlocks in the policy process. The topics covered in this book are policies that are of systemic impact, have generated considerable controversy and media attention, and appear transferable to other health policy settings.