Von solidarischer Unterstützung zu gemeinsamer Interessensvertretung? Perspektiven und Erfahrungen kollektiver Interessensvertretung durch Selbsthilfegruppen und -organisationen in Österreich

The challenge of democratic patient representation: Understanding the representation work of patient organizations through methodological triangulation

“…In Austria-as in many other countries-self-help organizations constitute the majority of POs. In addition to raising public awareness for the disease(s) that the organization covers, their main aim is to promote peer support of patients (and their family caregivers) [17]. To this effect, they support patients (and family caregivers) to mutually support each other in coping with their diseases.…”