User-defined ecosystems in health and social care

Purpose People with complex health conditions must often navigate landscapes of uncoordinated public, private and voluntary health-care providers to obtain the care they need. Complex frequently transcend scope typical service systems. The purpose this paper is explore characterize such unique assemblages actors services as “user-defined ecosystems”. Design/methodology/approach Building on literature customer ecosystems, introduces concept user-defined ecosystem (UDE). Using an abductive approach, authors apply in interpretive, qualitative study ten families special needs children. Findings This uncovers UDEs, where actively combine a broad range services. These ecosystems are for each family extend beyond designed ecosystems. Thus, forced assume active, coordinating role. Research limitations/implications shows how identify from user’s point view, based selected user unit (such family) focal value-creating function user. Social implications highlights can support adapt UDEs and, thus, contribute value well-being. be used understand users’ perspectives systems social care. Originality/value develops UDE, which represents customer-focused perspective actor contrasts it provider-focused distributed demonstrates practical usefulness conceptualization provides foundation further research