This revised and expanded second edition of Key Themes in Health and Social Care is a learning resource for students in health and social care. It provides an overview of foundational issues and core themes in the field and introduces key areas of debate, moving from an introductory level to in-depth discussion as the book progresses. Divided into three parts: the first part sets the scene, addressing introductory psychology and sociology, social policy, equality and diversity, skills for practice, and working with people the second part considers key themes such as mental health and wellbeing; management of services; the relationship between place and wellbeing; research in health and social care; and person-centred interventions the third part looks at discrete areas of practice such as mental health; ageing, leading and managing health and social care; working with vulnerable populations; and health promotion Each chapter begins with an outline of the content and learning outcomes and includes reflective exercises to allow students to reflect on what they have read, review their learning and consolidate their understanding. Time-pressed readers wanting to ‘dip into’ the book for relevant areas can do so but, read from cover to cover, the book provides a comprehensive introduction to the key areas of contemporary health and social care practice. It will be particularly helpful for students undertaking health and social care undergraduate and foundation degrees.

Key Themes in Health and Social Care is a learning resource for students in health and social care. It provides an overview of foundational issues and core themes in the field and introduces key areas of debate, moving from an introductory level to in-depth discussion as the book progresses. Divided into three parts: the first part sets the scene, addressing introductory psychology and sociology, social policy, equality and diversity, skills for practice, and working with people the second part considers key themes such as the contribution of philosophy and politics; criminal justice; management of services; the relationship between place and wellbeing; research in health and social care; theories of counselling; housing and the built environment the third part looks at discrete areas of practice such as mental health; substance abuse, protection work; health promotion; disability studies; working with men; child welfare and public responsibility. Each chapter begins with an outline of the content and learning outcomes and includes reflective exercises to allow students to reflect on what they have read, review their learning and consolidate their understanding. Time-pressed readers wanting to ‘dip into’ the book for relevant areas can do so but, read from cover to cover, the book provides a comprehensive introduction to the key areas of contemporary health and social care practice. It will be particularly helpful for students undertaking health and social care undergraduate and foundation degrees.

‘The growth of public health courses aimed at undergraduates has created a new need for textbooks that are appropriate and stimulating. Miranda Thurston has succeeded in producing something which strikes the right note. It is wide ranging in scope without being superficial and is accessible to the young learner. It is a sort of 'Wiki'. Just what the aspiring public health practitioner ordered.’ – Professor John R. Ashton C.B.E., President of the UK Faculty of Public Health. Key Themes in Public Health comprises a series of introductory essays exploring key themes and concepts in public health. Ranging from political and economic concern with improving population health and reducing health inequalities, to debates about how to protect populations from new health threats, as well as a concern with individual responsibility for lifestyles and behaviour, the themes discussed include: determinants of health, globalisation, evidence, climate change, ethics, development, poverty, risk and population. Presenting provocative ways of thinking about key ideas in a concise fashion, each essay provides a basic grounding in the relevant theme as well as a departure point for further study by: Defining the theme in an accessible way Placing each idea in its particular social, political, economic and historical context Illustrating its application and significance for public health Identifying and exploring issues surrounding each of the themes This text provides an accessible overview for students new to public health who want to get to grips with the full range and complexity of this diverse and multidisciplinary field.

Key Themes in Social Policy provides an accessible and authoritative introduction to the key concepts used in social policy, from autonomy to wellbeing. With over 100 ideas discussed, this is a comprehensive student guide and is designed to help readers to gain a deeper understanding of major debates and issues. Each entry: explains the origin of the word discusses its relationship to the social sciences describes its relevance to social policy and how widespread its use is outlines some of the key thinkers and research on the topic and gives suggestions for further reading. Making it easy to understand and use the most important ideas in the area, this is an essential companion for all students taking social policy courses.

As a field, health and social care is facing considerable challenge and debate, in the UK and internationally. This clear and succinct text offers a valuable introductory guide to this multidisciplinary subject, helping people who want to study or work in health and social care understand why these services matter, how they have developed and how they work. Framed by vital historical and social policy context, the book considers: · The social context in which health and social care are delivered · The history and nature of current services · Organising, funding and delivering services · How to be a professional in practice Including chapter summaries and links to further reading, this text will be invaluable to undergraduate students on programmes in Health and Social Care, Social Work, Nursing, Allied Health Professions, Social Policy and related applied social science subjects, as well as to A-level and Foundation programmes prior to University.

The new edition of the best-selling reader Understanding Health and Social Care combines classic works with newly commissioned material, offering readers unparalleled coverage of the key issues in health and social care. The breadth of material encompasses voices of service users, professional and lay carers, as well as academics and researchers. This Second Edition is organised into four new parts, each with a part introduction pulling together the main themes: " Part 1: People focuses on those who use and provide health and social care services " Part 2: Places focuses on where care takes place " Part 3: Approaches considers different ways through which care takes places " Part 4: Ideas focuses on the ideas and policies that underpin care provision Full of real practice scenarios and examples, the book successfully makes the links between theory and practice, and will be an essential resource for all students studying at undergraduate level across the wide spectrum of health and social care.