The main functions of comprehensive health care are promotion, prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation, with an overall goal of health education in its many forms. The consumer has roles and responsibilities in health care which mesh with life as a participating member of society. Consumer participation in the planning and delivery of health services can have economic advantages if people are encouraged to take on greater responsibility for their own health and well-being. Thus, self-care practices at the level of primary care are a social and economic resource. In establishing health care priorities and goals, each country must ascertain needs and assess the composition and volume of demands for health care. Nineteen of the member states of the World Health Organization European Region responded to a questionnaire on their arrangements and policies for consumer involvement in planning medical care delivery. Highlights of the replies are appended. (FG)