ABSTRACT
This chapter explores what constitutes good public health or what should be the objective of efforts to promote it. Most people would agree that good or perhaps better health for the population is what we are aiming for, although there is of course considerable disagreement on how to measure and assess improvements in the health of the public. The chapter discusses what means of health promotion should be applied in order to achieve that goal most effectively and appropriately. Focusing on a draft strategy for public health in the European Union the author argues that patient engagement is the most appropriate and efficient means to promote health. Research shows that engagement of patients in managing their own health care can not only improve their experience, but that it often also results in more effective utilisation of health services and better public health outcomes.
