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A Review of the Evidence of Third Sector Performance and Its Relevance for a Universal Comprehensive Health System

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2010

Elke Heins ,
David Price ,
Allyson M. Pollock ,
Emma Miller ,
John Mohan  and
Jean Shaoul
Elke Heins
Affiliation:
School of Social and Political Studies, University of Edinburgh E-mail: elke.heins@ed.ac.uk
David Price
Affiliation:
Centre for International Public Health Policy, University of Edinburgh
Allyson M. Pollock
Affiliation:
Centre for International Public Health Policy, University of Edinburgh
Emma Miller
Affiliation:
Glasgow School of Social Work, University of Strathclyde
John Mohan
Affiliation:
School of Social Sciences, University of Southampton
Jean Shaoul
Affiliation:
Manchester Business School, University of Manchester
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Abstract

UK policy promotes third sector organisations as providers of NHS funded health and social care. We examine the evidence for this policy through a systematic literature review. Our results highlight several problems of studies comparing non-profits with other provider forms, questioning their usefulness for drawing lessons outside the place of study. Most studies deem contextual factors and the regulatory framework in which providers operate as much more important than ownership form. We conclude that the literature does not support the policy of a larger role for the third sector in healthcare, let alone a switch to a market-based system.

Type
Articles
Information
Social Policy and Society , Volume 9 , Issue 4 , October 2010 , pp. 515 - 526
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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