In the first of three articles Amira Obeid describes her grounded theory study on health visitors perceptions of user participation in health care.

Amira Obeid RGN, RM, RHV, DPS:N (CHS), BSc (Hons), FETC, MSc Adv Nur, Researcher/practitioner primary care, Birmingham Specialist Community NHS Trust/Birmingham University and PCG Board Nurse Member, Sparkbrook, Birmingham.

Article accepted for publication January 2000.