MACMILLAN Navigating Private and Public Healthcare: Experiences of Patients, Doctors and Policy-Makers

This edited collection focuses on the global growth of privatisation and private sector medicine in both developed and lesser developed countries, and the impact of this on patients, health workers, managers and policy-makers. Drawing upon sociological theories, concepts and insights, as well as experts from several countries with extensive experience in researching the field either nationally or internationally, the collection offers a unique perspective on healthcare services and healthcare systems: a view from those trying to access healthcare services, working inside health systems, or responsible for managing and organising services. Collectively, the chapters contribute an international perspective on the navigation of healthcare systems, and addresses the growing salience of ‘choice’ between public and private medicine in a variety of different national systems and contexts. Review “This book offers a brilliant analysis of the changing relationships between public and private expenditure in healthcare. The case studies take us on a journey across the globe and illuminate different stakeholder perspectives, healthcare systems and areas of provision. The book will become a valuable source for everyone in healthcare research, teaching and policy-making.” (Ellen Kuhlmann, Medical School Hannover, Germany) “Understanding the complex interaction between public, non-profit and for-profit provision of health care is challenging even for professionals in the field. This volume gives a rich set of case studies, grounded in rigorous sociological analysis. It provides a valuable corrective to the simplistic idea that increased for-profit provision will promote competition and enhance consumer choice.” (John Quiggin, University of Queensland, Australia) “While private medicine is now a significant characteristic of healthcare around the world, under the influence of neoliberalism and marketization, it has received relatively little sociological attention. This book seeks to do just this. Drawing on case studies from a diverse range of countries it offers insights into how the shift towards “the private” has impacted on all levels of healthcare, and in so doing contributed to inequality is such healthcare. As such it is essential reading for students, researchers, policy makers and the general public who care about this vital issue.” (Jonathan Gabe, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK) From the Back Cover This edited collection focuses on the global growth of privatisation and private sector medicine in both developed and lesser developed countries, and the impact of this on patients, health workers, managers and policy-makers. Drawing upon sociological theories, concepts and insights, as well as experts from several countries with extensive experience in researching the field either nationally or internationally, the collection offers a unique perspective on healthcare services and healthcare systems: a view from those trying to access healthcare services, working inside health systems, or responsible for managing and organising services. Collectively, the chapters contribute an international perspective on the navigation of healthcare systems, and addresses the growing salience of ‘choice’ between public and private medicine in a variety of different national systems and contexts. About the Author Fran Collyer is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Sydney. Her current projects focus on the history and impact of Australian sociology, the growth of private medicine and the inequalities of global networks of expert knowledge. Recent books include Knowledge and Global Power (2019); and the Palgrave Handbook of Social Theory in Health, Illness and Medicine (2015). Karen Willis is Professor in the School of Allied Health at La Trobe University and at Melbourne Health. Willis is joint editor-in-chief of Health Sociology Review, and her research foc