Charterism and charterization within health services : a public choice analysis of the implementation of patients' charters in England and Hong Kong

Ng, Sze Fung Fowie

Abstract

Patients' charters have been incorporated in health services systems among various countries including the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. By means of a comparative case study, this research looked at the implementation of patients' charters in the National Health Service in England and the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong from the perspectives of staff at different levels as well as patients' groups and their representative bodies. Points of convergence and different approaches have been illustrated in both locations from their experiences in implementing the charter. Together with the positive and negative impacts learned, it is argued that current knowledge about 'Charterism' is limited to the UK context and this should be interpreted within the international arena as shown from a bundle of tenets and principles of the Hong Kong experience. By means of analyzing the case study, the utility of Pubic Choice Theory is demonstrated in understanding the self-interest behaviours among the actors involved in patient's charter in both locations. It is also argued that patients' charters can be effective Public Choice remedy tools to shift provider-led health services into consumer-led health services.

Citation

Ng, S. F. F. Charterism and charterization within health services : a public choice analysis of the implementation of patients' charters in England and Hong Kong. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215501

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Apr 8, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Social work
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215501
• Additional Information: Department of Social Work, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Mar 1, 2002