Comparing the campaigning profile of maternity user groups in Europe--can we learn anything useful?

Objective To compare the extent to which women in three European countries were able to exert influence over the organization and delivery of maternity policy and the factors likely to determine their success. Design Semi-structured interviews used to collect data, which was analysed in a framework that emphasized the importance of contextual environment. Setting and participants Representatives of 19 lay maternity user organizations in England, the Netherlands and Germany interviewed during 1996 and 1997. Variables studied Each interviewee was asked to provide details of their aims and objectives, activities and networks and perception of success. Four areas of contextual environment were used to account for variations. Main outcome measure Self-reported accounts of success in influencing policy agenda, credibility with opinion formers, campaigning activities and political networking were compared between and across countries. Results Marked differences between both the aspirations and the achievements of groups in the three countries. Conclusions Understanding the differences between countries in relation to user involvement entails locating research within the social, political and cultural context of health-care, consumerism and citizen participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]