Introduction to Public Health: Promises and Practice

Updated and thoroughly revised, the second edition of this foundational text continues to cover all major topics of organization, financing, workforce, goals, initiatives, accountability, and metrics from the perspectives of academicians and officials in public health. This second edition is the only public health text to encompass the new legislation implemented by the Affordable Care Act, with its focus on prevention and increase in funding for prevention research. It also examines resulting job opportunities and expanded interest in the public health field. Comprehensive and accessible, the text discusses a variety of new trends in public health, particularly regarding primary care and public health partnerships. The second edition also includes information about new accountability initiatives and workforce requirements to contribute to public health services and systems research, better known as health services research and clinical outcomes research in medical care. The text stresses the increasing emphasis on efficiency, effectiveness, and equity in achieving population health improvements, and goes beyond merely presenting information to analyze the question of whether the practice of public health achieves its promise. Each chapter includes objectives, review questions, and case studies. Also included are an instructors manual (containing every major public health improvement initiative and introducing every major data system sponsored by the U.S. public health system), PowerPoint slides, and a test bank. New to the Second Edition:: Completely updated and revised Addresses changes wrought by Obamacare Focuses on the workforce, job opportunities, and job training Discusses building healthy communities and the determinants of health Covers new developments in treating Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and other illnesses Considers variation in public health-globally and nationally by state Investigates intentional injuries such as suicide, homicide, and war Key Features:: Provides information that is holistic, comprehensive, and accessible Covers all major topics of organization, financing, leadership, goals, initiatives, accountability, and metrics Relates current public health practice to the fields history and mission Includes a global health component Analyzes successful and unsuccessful aspects of health care delivery