Routledge The New Sociology of the Health Service

Health service policy and health policy have changed considerably over the past fifteen years and there is a pressing need for an up-to-date sociological analysis of health policy. Not only have policies themselves changed but new policy themes – such as evidence-based policy and practice, an increasing focus on a primary care led health service, a growing recognition of the need to address inequalities through public health policies and a focus on the views and the voice of the user and the public– have emerged alongside some of the old. Following up the very successful The Sociology of the Health Service, this all-new volume covers a broad range of key contemporary health services issues. It includes chapters on consumerism, technology, evidence-based practice, public health, managerialism and social care among others, and incorporates references to new developments, such as regulation and incentivization, throughout. The New Sociology of the Health Service provides a vital new sociological framework for analyzing health policy and healthcare. It is an important read for all students and researchers of medical sociology and health policy. Review 'This impressive book provides a valuable commentary on key topics in the contemporary sociology of health care. Students of health care sociology and health policy will find it an accessible and useful text.' - Professor Rob Baggott, De Montfort University, UK ‘In this hugely welcome second edition, leading sociologists offer far-reaching insights into the often contested changes in UK health policy over the past decade. A sociological perspective on contemporary policy developments, notably the growing managerialisation and marketisation of health care, the impact of consumerism on health and social care, and the growing health gap between social groups, has been sorely missing. This excellent collection of essays is therefore timely and essential reading by students of health policy.’ - David J. Hunter, Professor of Health Policy and Management, Wolfson Research Institute, Durham University, UK   About the Author Royal Holloway, University of London, UK Royal Holloway, University of London, UK University of Kent, UK