Success factors of communites of patients

This paper presents results of an empirical study regarding success factors of virtual communities of patients. These success factors capture what is important to members of virtual communities of patients and the interconnections between these aspects. We analyze the possible impact of success factors that we identify to the design and implementation of e-services as part of the business model for virtual communities of patients. We analyze what is of major interest to members of virtual communities of patients and the expectations of consumers of health related content on the Internet. This paper focuses on virtual communities of patients. Recommendations for new e-services are being discussed.