Health Care and Public Policy: An Australian Analysis

Abstract

An analysis of health care and public policy in Australia. It explains what governments have done and what they can do about shaping Australia's health care system. It introduces students, health practitioners and administrators to the political, economic and social context within which health policies develop, and to the forces which promote and oppose change. The book examines political, economic, sociological, epidemiological and public health perspectives about health policy, and deals with major issues including health insurance, the organization and provision of hospital, community health and medical services, health care technologies, disease prevention and health promotion. The special needs of disadvantaged groups such as women and aboriginal people are also emphasized. It is a text book for students in health administration, health planning, social work and social administration. In addition, students in a wide range of courses, including medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, dentistry and public health, will also find it extremely useful. The book will also interest those working in health care, either in policy or service delivery, including health planners, social workers, community workers and health administrators.