The conference reported here was held (1) to assist the Office of Health Resources/Health Resources Administration in developing a long-range plan and identifying strategies to improve the efficacy of women in the health system and (2) to recommend by priorities those actions which would have the most positive impact on the status of women in health. Two conference addresses, an overview of conference objectives and format, and a summary with recommendations focus on the role of women in health and illness with respect to the following: the structure and organization of the present health care system, financing policies as they relate to these issues, regulations needed to facilitate these changes, and appropriate strategies. Included in the appendix is a series of twelve mini papers which address the issue of improving the health efficacy of women in the following four major categories: as paid providers, as consumers, as extra market providers, and as decision makers. Also included are a bibliography of background materials, a list of the conference participants, a list of group members and leaders, the conference evaluation, and a list of reviewers of the conference summary and recommendations. (JH)