Policy Press Understanding health policy (Second edition) (Understanding Welfare: Social Issues, Policy and Practice)

In recent years the pace of reform in health policy and the NHS has been relentless. But how are policies formed and implemented? This fully updated edition of a bestselling book explores the processes and institutions that make health policy, examining what constitutes health policy, where power lies, and what changes could be made to improve the quality of health policy making. Drawing on original research by the author over many years, and a wide range of secondary sources, the book examines the role of various institutions in the formation and implementation of health policy. Unlike most standard texts, it considers the impact of devolution in the UK and the role of European and international institutions and fills a need for an up-to-date overview of this fast-moving area. It features new case studies to illustrate how policy has evolved and developed in recent years. This new edition has been fully updated to reflect policies under the later years of New Labour and the Coalition government. Although written particularly with the needs of students and tutors in mind, this accessible textbook will also appeal to policy makers and practitioners in the health policy field. Review A very welcome update! Tracey Heath, Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull An essential text for lecturers and students studying health policy. This book comprehensively covers the key areas of the policy making process and includes contemporary examples and case studies from the health sector. It is easy to read, despite the complexity of the topics covered. Dr Julie Prowse, University of Bradford About the Author Rob Baggott is Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Health Policy Research Unit at De Montfort University, Leicester