<P>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.</P>
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<P>Following up the very successful <EM>The Sociology of the Health Service</EM>, 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.</P>
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<P><EM>The New Sociology of the Health Service</EM> provides a vital new sociological framework for analyzing health policy and healthcare. It&nbsp;is an important read for all students and researchers of medical sociology and health policy.</P>