The voluntary sector and health policy: The role of national level health consumer and patients' organisations in the UK
Section snippets
Methods
The 1999 survey used a postal questionnaire to map the characteristics and activities of HCPOs working in and across a number of condition areas. It sought information on their internal structures, aims, activities and the type and frequency of contact with policy makers and health policy stakeholders. It was sent in Autumn 1999 to 243 organisations, 57 of which were subsequently excluded as they did not meet the inclusion criteria (response rate 66%, n = 123). A fuller discussion of the
Conceptual and definitional issues
In its widest sense the voluntary health sector includes several types of organisation: Single issue campaign groups seeking to change policy and practice (on issues such as smoking, food policy, alcohol abuse, pollution); patients', carers' and service users' organisations; groups representing the wider public, or a section of the population, such as older people or ethnic groups; protest groups; voluntary service providers; umbrella groups and alliances; research charities; philanthropic
Creation, policy focus and resources
The very creation of HCPOs is a political phenomenon, signalling some previously unaddressed need or problem (putting aside for the moment the existence of ‘astroturf’ groups created or funded by other interests – see below). Although accurate figures are hard to come by, it appears that there has been a substantial growth in HCPOs in the last three decades, reflecting broader trends across the voluntary sector (Alcock, 2011). Our initial study in 1999 found that two-thirds of HCPOs had formed
Contact with policy actors
Given the government's broader involvement agenda, and their own policy interests, it appears that HCPOs have maintained significant levels of contact with key decision makers in recent years (Table 2). In 2010 a third (34%) reported ‘at least quarterly contact’ with Department of Health (DH) ministers, and two-fifths (39%) with DH civil servants. Half (49%) had ‘at least quarterly contact’ with MPs, while 32% reported this frequency of contact with members of the House of Lords. HCPOs are
Professionals and other health interests
Professionals are often instrumental in establishing HCPOs and are active within them (Baggott et al., 2005; Huyard, 2009). Professionals offer medical expertise, provide advice on the latest interventions, help commission and carry out research, and are often involved in HCPOs' internal governance. In the 1999 survey, over two thirds of HCPOs stated that healthcare professionals were members of their organisation. In most cases, it appears that HCPOs and health professionals develop mutually
Influence over policy
Although HCPOs have pursued and responded to agendas relating to health policy and reform, we know little about their actual influence. Larger organisations, major national charities such as Mind, Age UK, Carers UK, British Heart Foundation, National Childbirth Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Arthritis Care, appear to be among the most influential by repute (Baggott et al., 2005). However, UK studies suggest that most HCPOs have meagre financial resources and little political leverage, and
Conclusion
Certainly, as far as national organisations are concerned, there is much continuity in the importance attached to particular functions, notably providing advice, support and information and raising awareness. HCPOs have also maintained their interest in building relationships with other stakeholders and in seeking to influence policy-making. However, changes in the health policy context and in governance structures appear to have prompted adjustments in the focus of their activities. In
Acknowledgements
Professor Martyn Denscombe, De Montfort University Faculty of Business and Law for assistance with 2010 Online Survey; ESRC Grant Number R000237888 for the funding of the 1999 survey.
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