ABSTRACT
Background Norway is a large country with a small population of 4.5 million inhabitants, of whom 700 000 are 65 years old and above 200 000 are 80 years old and above (Central Bureau of Statistics, 2001). The public sector plays the major role in providing health and social care to the inhabitants. Until recently, the public healthcare system was the only option offering healthcare services in Norway, ideally according to patient need, independent economic status and place of residence. The private market for health and social care services is growing, but still plays a modest role.
