Product Description

In recent years, public health issues have maintained a high profile as a means of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health. Rob Baggott's book provides analysis of the key debates in public health, discussing policy options and commenting on current initiatives in the field. While the main focus of the analysis is on contemporary public health, the historical context and wider international developments are also explored to offer an all inclusive account of public health.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #338874 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-17
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Mrs M. Slater, University of Hull
'A useful text which traces past influences and current practice. Good discussion and analysis on present government policy.' -

Dr Jill Jones, Aston Business School
'This is an excellent text bringing public health up-to-date with current policy developments.'

About the Author
ROB BAGGOTT is Professor of Public Policy at De Montfort University and Director of the Health Policy Research Unit. He has published widely in the field of public policy and health studies and is the author of Health and Heath Care in Britain 2nd edition.

Customer Reviews

A timely and useful resource for nurses.
Nurses are taking an active role in the current climate of change in public health policy and politics and this book represents a timely and valuable resource to practitioners and those involved in nurse education. Changes in the nursing curriculum also acknowledge the importance of the social, economic and environmental context of health and the challenges involved in preparing nurses to take an active role in addressing socio-economic inequalities and developing effective public health roles in areas such as health promotion and screening. Rob Baggott's book provides an accessible yet rigorous analysis of the key issues that inevitably impact on the work of practicing nurses. The historical perspective highlights the variable development of public health in this country and gives useful insights into why public health has not always been at the top of the health policy agenda. Topical issues including screening, food and diet and alcohol tobacco and drugs are also dealt with in an interesting way that both informs and allows the reader to make a critical assessment of current policy.

Recent policy documents have highlighted the need for a skilled and well-resourced public health workforce, yet the nursing curriculum is very crowded and the emphasis on clinical skills can lead to a reduced space for exploration and knowledge about the wider context of health. This book provides comprehensive and persuasive evidence about both the challenges and opportunities of the revised public health strategy and provides an ideal platform from which informed discussions about the role of the nurse in delivering effective public health interventions can take place.

A lucid and informative study of public health policies
In his latest book Rob Baggott provides a wealth of information on the politics of public health. Having read the text, I felt it effectively communicated the various ideologies in the field of public health in the context of broader political debates. Initially Rob Baggott takes the reader along a historical journey, before moving on to the formation of public health policies today. The book is littered with relevant exhibits, tables and graphs which I found useful. Later, conclusions about public health issues and policy processes are drawn - identifying crucial issues such as globalisation, risk and corporate power.

As a former student of public policy interested in health issues, I found this book a helpful source of information. It is refreshing to have the subject explained so clearly. The book is cogent and concise, informative and interesting and an essential read for those interested in public health issues.