Participatory relations

Public health initiatives depend on participation. Whether it be a grassroots programme led by citizens or a palliative care service delivered to citizens by health professionals, participation—and the way we relate to each other while participating—is important. Relationships and connections between institutions, professionals, and citizens need to be negotiated and nurtured. This chapter considers these questions and explores the concept of participatory relations in public health palliative care and some of the practice models of participation and invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences as a practitioner.