Frames for choice and market characteristics – a Swedish case study of community mental health services in change

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe and analyse structural frames for choice, as well as characteristics of a free-choice market, implemented in community mental health services in Sweden. Day centres were focused. A case study was conducted. Documents were collected and semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-eight agents involved in the implementation process. Content analysis of data showed that users’ freedom of choice was influenced by detailed regulation. Freedom of choice was extended, but it was also substantially reduced. The gain or loss of freedom of choice depended on which aspects of the system were emphasised. Features, which could be interpreted as paternalistic, were once again structurally embedded, despite a system addressing individual freedom of choice. Further, the market did not seem to be adjusted for the average user of community mental health services.

Keywords:

• social policy
• mental health
• organisation
• choice
• quasi-market

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.