This clear and accessible text helps public health students and officials gain a solid understanding of geographic information systems technology. Using examples drawn from public health practice, the author shows how to best harness the opportunities of this exciting technological development.

"This book provides an overview of why geography is important in the investigation of health, the importance of the main components of a GIS, how important neighborhood context is when using a GIS, and the general differences found between urban and rural health environments"--Provided by publisher.

"This book presents a sampling of the many applications utilizing GIS in the field of health, including needs of less-developed countries in utilizing the concepts and technologies of mapping"--Provided by publisher.

Industry professionals, government officials, and the general public often agree that the modern healthcare system is in need of an overhaul. With many organizations concerned with the long-term care of patients, new strategies, practices, and organizational tools must be developed to optimize the current healthcare system. Healthcare Policy and Reform: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a comprehensive source of academic material on the importance of policy and policy reform initiatives in modern healthcare systems. Highlighting a range of topics such as public health, effective care delivery, and health information systems, this multi-volume book is designed for medical practitioners, medical administrators, professionals, academicians, and researchers interested in all aspects of healthcare policy and reform.

Authoritative and comprehensive, this is the leading text and professional resource on using geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and address public health problems. Basic GIS concepts and tools are explained, including ways to access and manage spatial databases. The book presents state-of-the-art methods for mapping and analyzing data on population, health events, risk factors, and health services, and for incorporating geographical knowledge into planning and policy. Numerous maps, diagrams, and real-world applications are featured. The companion Web page provides lab exercises with data that can be downloaded for individual or course use. New to This Edition *Incorporates major technological advances, such as Internet-based mapping systems and the rise of data from cell phones and other GPS-enabled devices. *Chapter on health disparities. *Expanded coverage of public participation GIS. *Companion Web page has all-new content. *Goes beyond the United States to encompass an international focus.