Stephen Handsley – författare

Policy and Practice in Promoting Public Health offers an up-to-date analysis of the key policy and practice issues involved in promoting public health - from local and community levels, to international settings. The book equips readers with a sound understanding of the policy process, and has a critical edge that encourages readers to reflect on how those involved in multidisciplinary public health can use and influence policy in order to inform practice.

Key issues discussed in the book include:

"the impact of globalization on health

"developments of public health since New Labour, and the political tensions arising from the modernization of the NHS

"changes in theoretical, conceptual and ideological perspectives on multidisciplinary public health, and the shift towards reducing health inequalities

"the role of health workers, local authority workers, the voluntary sector, individuals, and families in public health practice

"participatory and community approaches to promoting public health

"the ethical dilemmas associated with working at community and local levels.

Each section of the book concludes with a case study, which pulls together the key themes and issues raised in earlier chapters, and links theoretical, policy and practical perspectives. Policy and Practice in Promoting Public Health will be a core resource for those studying public health and health promotion across a wide range of health and social care disciplines and for professionals and training organisations involved in promoting public health.

The second edition of A Reader in Promoting Public Health brings together a selection of readings that explore and challenge current thinking in the field of multidisciplinary public health. This thoroughly updated and revised new edition addresses contemporary issues that are high on the agenda of public health, and enables the reader to understand and negotiate this broad and dynamic field of study.

The book is organised into five sections, each with an accessible and student-friendly introduction that pulls together the key themes and issues:

-Back to the future? Reflections on multidisciplinary public health takes stock of the scope and ambition of contemporary public health;

-Research for evidence-based practice explores research methods, tools and techniques for developing effective public health practice;

-Promoting health through public policy examines policy challenges, responses and key debates at national, international and global level :

-Promoting public health at a local level explores public health and health promotion in a participatory and community context;

-Public health for the 21st century: whose voices? whose values? examines debates which expose alternative futures, priorities and boundaries for public health work.

This second edition includes new material on health inequalities, health protection, social marketing and health promotion, as well as highlighting the practical requirements of public health work through 'grass roots' accounts of practice. It will be essential reading for all students of public health and health promotion, as well as for health and social care professionals.