Key Concepts And Debates In Health And Social Policy

This book identifies key social concepts and explores their relevance for health and welfare policy, and for the practice of professionals such as nurses and social workers who are involved in the delivery of services and provision. The text adopts an ideologies of welfare approach using examples of recent policy shifts to illustrate theoretical and political tensions. This shift in emphasis away from the traditional approach of documenting policy areas is an important feature of the book. The concepts are organized in terms of doctrinal contests. This allows the authors to explore the tension between different approaches and ways of defining social policy. The aim is to help professionals identify these tensions, to be aware of the strategic choices which have been made in national and agency policy, and to locate their own practice in relationship to these choices. It draws upon the continuing debate around the Third Way and New Labour policies as they apply to health and social welfare; and identifies tensions within a non-ideological, pragmatic set of practices.

“This is an accessible text that will be a useful source for lecturers and students in the field of health studies. The material is coherently organised into three main themes: the politics of provision; setting priorities; and patients and professionals. I was particularly impressed with way in which the authors draw on theoretical insights and on the experiences of different heath care systems in their analysis.” Professor Rob Baggott, Director of the Health Policy Research Unit, De Montfort University, UK Who is responsible for the health of the nation? To what extent should the state tackle health inequalities? Is prevention better than cure?, Key Debates in Healthcare explores the answers to these and many more topical questions in healthcare. The book considers eight main debates in healthcare, ranging from the role of the state in the provision of health care to the rights of patients, and the responsibilities each of us have for our own health. The book also examines the different models of health and healthcare delivery, and explores alternative methods of providing healthcare, using the state, the private sector or the voluntary sector. Through these debates the book will help readers explore issues such as health inequalities, health promotion and service delivery, and establish their own perspective on issues of health and society. Written as a core course book, the book includes: Theoretical perspectives: to help you understand the logic and implications of broad social and political arguments related to health Policy developments: to show the practical application of ideas in Britain, the United States and in other parts of the world Perspectives of health professionals: to illustrate the impact of healthcare debates on professional practice Healthcare scenarios: to assist you to make connections between theory, policy and practice Key Debates in Healthcare is key reading for all those training and studying to become health professionals and looking for a text to help them get to grips with the heart of healthcare provision.

Key Concepts in Health Studies provides a much needed guide to the central concepts used across the subject, and offers the reader a comprehensive overview of the core topics, theories and debates. Drawing together the fundamentals within the disciplines of health, nursing, and social policy this book is an ideal text both for students studying health in a range of academic fields, and for health and social care practitioners. From ageism to public health, and gender to obesity, the book offers an exciting guide to the multidisciplinary field. Each entry features: -A snapshot definition of the concept -A wider discussion of the main issues -Case studies illustrating the application of theory to practice -Examples of further reading Highly readable, with clear indexing, and cross-referencing between entries, this is not only a student-friendly textbook that will enable the reader to dip into and update their knowledge of a particular key concept, but a valuable resource to anyone practicing in the health care field.

Designed for use by undergraduates on social policy, social work and sociology courses and by students on vocational training courses (including postgraduate), this textbook covers all the main topics of social policy.

This revised second edition analyses social policy in Scotland since devolution in 1999 and reflects the nascent and distinctively Scottish policy agenda. Along with updated chapters, there are two new inclusions: a chapter analysing post-devolution Scotland and a chapter on the likely impacts of Brexit on and within Scotland. Providing diagrams, tables and a range of activities, the book maintains an innovative and pedagogic emphasis to introduce students to a wealth of materials, ideas and practical responses to the increasingly complex and diverse situations faced by social workers and other professionals. Part 1 of the book looks at what social policy is, how and why it is made and highlights the importance of the relationship between social policy and the law. Part 2 refers to specific themes of social exclusion, poverty and (more visible for this revised edition) austerity, considering their complex and multidimensional forms and discussing the range of policies currently extant that aim to combat such disadvantage. Part 3 provides a comprehensive overview of policy for practice, considering concepts of health inequality, mental health, older people, disability, children and families, education, substance use, criminal justice, asylum and immigration and homelessness. This book will be of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as post-qualified professionals seeking to understand the complexities of the social policy landscape in Scotland, and its influence on social work and related forms of professional practice.

Since devolution in 1999, social policy within Scotland has burgeoned. The Scottish Parliament has a range of powers in relation to key policy areas including social work, education, health, child care, child protection, law and home affairs, and housing. These powers and the existence of a distinct legal tradition in Scotland means that social work practice has developed a distinctive style, attuned to the particular needs of Scotland. Scottish distinctiveness however, has rarely been properly represented in textbooks on either social policy or social work. This innovative text offers comprehensive coverage of the discipline of social policy and its central relevance to social work, social care and related practice in Scotland. Designed to complement teaching and study associated with the new Honours degree in Social Work (Scottish Executive 2003), it fills a notable gap in the literature on this subject and will be essential reading for students, professionals and academics within a variety of health and social care occupations.

This title is directed primarily towards health care professionals outside of the United States. Nursing practice needs to be informed by an understanding of people and the societies in which they live. This introductory text has been designed specifically to discuss those aspects of sociology which are most relevant to nursing and the health care context in which it takes place.

This title is now out of print. A new edition with e-book is available under ISBN 9780702044540. This package provides you with the book plus the eBook – giving you the printed book and also giving access to the complete book content electronically. Evolve eBooks allows you to quickly search the entire book, make notes, add highlights, and study more efficiently. Buying other Evolve eBooks titles makes your learning experience even better: all of the eBooks will work together on your electronic 'bookshelf', so that you can search across your entire library of Nursing eBooks. Developing Practice for Public Health and Health Promotion is the second title in the ‘Public Health and Health Promotion Practice’ series, expanding on the best-selling introductory textbook, Foundations for Health Promotion. Developing Practice is an essential text for the many different practitioners, professionals and specialists who contribute to public health and health promotion, enabling them to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence. Fully updated to reflect the many changes in health promotion theory, practice and policy New chapter on empowerment as a key health promotion strategy Case studies, activities and discussion points encourage interaction and reflection, and stimulate learning Unique, user-friendly approach makes learning easy Examines the forces that drive practice Focuses on the core strategies of: Tackling health inequalities User and public participation and involvement Working in partnerships Empowerment. Identifies current public health priorities and how to address these in practice. Fully updated to reflect the many changes in health promotion theory, practice and policy New chapter on empowerment as a key health promotion strategy