The sociology of healthcare - Dr Alan Clarke

The Sociology of Healthcare provides an up-to-date account of the social factors that influence health and illness, while simultaneously introducing theoretical perspectives in sociology in such a way as to ensure there is integration with the professional issues and concerns of health workers. The book draws heavily not only from theoretical and empirical studies in sociology, but also from research studies and policy debates reported in the professional journals in medicine and nursing.;Features:* introduces the reader to basic concepts and theories in medical sociology* provides a brief introduction to the logic and method of social inquiry* presents empirical data from research studies, sample surveys, government reports and official statistical sources in order to describe patterns and trends in the distrubution of health and illness* explores how factors such as social inequality, gender, ethnicity and social class can influence health* uses findings from sociological studies of interaction between health care practitioners and patients to illustrate how research can inform practice* describes the impact of recent health policy reforms on the organisation, administration and delivery of health careAlan Clarke is a Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Surrey and has considerable experience in nurse education having taught sociology and social policy at diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels to nurses and related professional groups in the health service.