Introduction: This article provides highlights of the evolution of the health care rationing debate towards a more explicit and open approach involving public participation. Discretionary models that have dominated the health sector decision-making are being questioned by different sectors of society. Methods: Using data from 442 college students, we explore public views on public involvement in health care rationing decisions. Results: Findings suggest that although citizens wish to be

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... d, they believe doctors should play the most important role on rationing decisions. Discussion: Confidence in doctors is, nonetheless, not independent from the criteria used to support their decisions. acreditam que cabe aos médicos desempenhar o papel mais importante nas decisões de racionamento. Discussão: A confiança nos médicos não é, todavia, independente dos critérios usados para apoiar as suas decisões.