“A real, grown up conversation” – Research on health and social care in Scotland
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 29th October 2026
New research finds people are ready for honest conversations about how to bridge the “reality gap” of health and social care reform.
People across Scotland are ready to engage with complex discussions about the future of health and social care and want to see reform shaped around people’s experiences, according to new research commissioned by the ALLIANCE.
Conducted by Diffley Partnership, the deliberative research, ‘A real grown up conversation – Research into health and social care in Scotland’ explored public attitudes towards health and social care reform over a series of sessions. Participants were given the time, information and space to explore issues in depth and consider possible solutions.
The research brought together members of the public over a series of sessions exploring health and social care in Scotland and found that people become increasingly supportive of reform when given time, information and space, even if that meant difficult choices had to be made.
Participants views started off focussing on personal frustrations, for example, waiting lists and access to services, but over time moved to a deeper understanding of system-change, the need for long term reform, prevention and investment.
The research found that people saw a growing “reality gap” between current systems and the vision for reform, and their experiences with on the ground services.
In addition, discussions around reform centred around the importance of dignity, continuity, respectful communication and being listened to, rather than the structural reform often discussed at a national level.
You can find both PDF and Word versions of our report and response to the report at the bottom of this page.
Read the ALLIANCE’s media release on the report.
End of page.
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