Leve e competenze per generare il futuro. Costruire capitale sociale

The chapter addresses the growing complexity of the contemporary health system, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic, which has made evident structural problems such as inequalities in access to care and the fragmentation of social and health services. The chapter conceptualizes the enhancement of the internal and inter-organizational social capital of patient associations as a potential lever to face current challenges. A research conducted with 46 patient associations is illustrated, divided into several phases and culminating in an action research path with 18 associations. The contribution highlights the importance of collaborative practices, reflective processes and knowledge exchanges to activate a shared and generative action, capable of strengthening the role of associations and promoting new models of participation and care.