Year
2016
Degree Name
Doctor of Business Administration
Department
Sydney Business School
Recommended Citation
Prince, Dianne, Care, Connect, Cure: Constructing Success for Health Consumer Organisations, Doctor of Business Administration thesis, Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong, 2016. https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/4916
Abstract
In Australia, Health Consumer Organisations (HCOs), also known as Patient Support Groups, play an important role in supporting people facing a shared health condition. This research aims to identify and illustrate factors mediating the success of formally structured Australian HCOs. An understanding of what enables or inhibits ‘success’ for such organisations will inform HCOs and stakeholders seeking to work with them, and assist them in the development and evaluation of their strategic plans.
This research identifies factors mediating the success of HCOs operating in Australia through a study involving four separate organisations. Organisations were selected purposefully to illustrate differences and similarities across the broad range of HCOs that provide support for people facing specific health challenges or for those caring for others. Each organisation participating in this research has a national presence or affiliation, and has been operating for a minimum of 10 years. All are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission and are members of the Australian Health Consumer Forum.
Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.