As public accountability has increased and resources have become scarcer, public health, like clinical medicine, has been forced to re-examine the benefits and costs of its activities. Decision and economic analysis are basic tools in carrying out that mission. These methods have become standard practice in clinical medicine and health services research. This book, now in its second edition, was written in an effort to apply and adapt that experience to public health situations.

The book was originally written to introduce Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff to the concepts of decision and economic analysis, to provide guidance on methods to maximize comparability of studios, and to provide access to frequently used reference information. It has been adapted to meet the needs of scientists and managers in state and local health departments and managed care organizations as well as students in schools of public health and clinicians for an introductory text - a text that shows how these methods can be applied in population-based practice, to facilitate better comparability of studies, and to solidify understanding of the scientific basis for use of these tools in decision making. Decision makers will learn how these studies are conducted so they can be critical consumers, understanding the strengths and limitions, and apply findings to policy and practice.

The second edition updates and expands upon the standard methodology for condcuting prevention effectiveness analyses. Each chapter has been revised or re-written. The chapters on measuring effectiveness, decision analysis, and making information useful for decision makers as well as several appendices are entirely new.

In this valuable new book, a consultant oncologist and a family practitioner have brought together their different and complementary experience of dealing with cancer to provide primary care physicians with all the information they need to meet the demands that will be placed upon them. With input from respected specialists in oncology; surgery and palliative care, it describes each of the major types of cancer in adults and children, with each chapter following an identical format. For each type of cancer, risk factors, epidemiology and demographic data are presented, with comment on diagnostic and screening issues; options for management are then discussed, and choices of therapy reviewed together with their prognostic implications. The concise text is supported by numerous tables, charts and diagrams, with key points summarised in highlighted panels. Each section concludes with up-to-date information on current research and on-going trials, and contact details of specific support groups for patients and their families. Additional chapters cover in more detail major topics such as pain management, terminal illness and provision of palliative care, and dealing with bereavement. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on understanding the needs of the patient, and the importance of the doctor being able to communicate effectively, and objectively, the implications of the sometimes difficult choices that have to be made. This is a highly readable book packed with useful information and it should find a place in every doctor's office. Input from respected specialists in oncology, surgery and palliative care.

Housing is an important determinant of health. This book provides a concise overview of the impact of housing policy and the effect of housing on health. It covers the issues of homelessness and health, collaboration between organizations in delivering housing needs, and focusses on the role of primary care teams as part of the Primary Care Trusts. It should be of interest to all members of primary care organisations, especially those concerned with health and social policy, including clinicians, nurses, psychologists, managers, statutory and voluntary housing organizations, policy makers, shapers and influencers.

With the introduction of yearly appraisals and revalidation every general practitioner needs to be armed with a good Personal Development Plan. This book provides the information needed to create just that. Guiding the reader through the consultation looking for Patient's Unmet Needs (PUNs) and the Doctor's Educational Needs (DENs), it focuses on those learning needs that help to provide competent care for patients. All general practitioners will find this book a straightforward, no nonsense, practical approach to help them incorporate their learning needs into the realities of everyday practice.

A growing number of people suffer from so-called resistant hypertension, that is to say, high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment. This disorder is of great current interest and importance for public health, being a common clinical problem faced by both primary care clinicians and specialists. Furthermore, as older age and obesity are among the strongest risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension, the incidence of resistant hypertension will likely increase as the population becomes more elderly and heavier. While the prognosis of resistant hypertension is unknown, cardiovascular risk is undoubtedly increased since patients often have a history of long-standing, severe hypertension complicated by multiple other cardiovascular risk factors. This volume, compiled by a panel of world-renowned experts, offers a comprehensive exploration of resistant hypertension, covering epidemiology, complex diagnostic aspects, and the therapeutic options currently available, with due attention to overall treatment strategies. New therapeutic agents and procedures, such as renal denervation and baroreceptor stimulation, are also described. In addition, the book addresses the economic aspects of resistant hypertension and the role of the different professional figures, from GPs to hypertension specialists, in dealing with it.

This book is designed to help develop a GPs skill in disease recognition and treatment. For this reason it approaches the subject from a symptoms-specific rather than a disease-specific angle.
It contains approximately 60 high-quality illustrations and explanatory text. It is ideal for use as an instant reference in day-to-day clinical practice or as part of ongoing CME. It would be ideally suited for those studying for the Diploma in Practical Dermatology

Doing Practitioner Research Differently encourages those embarking on practitioner research to consider the validity of innovative methods and styles of reporting. The book looks at three methods of enquiry and reporting - visualisation, conversation and fictional writing.
Using practitioners' own accounts and research reports as case studies, this book explores the reasons why some practitioners reject the traditional research methods. It looks at the challenges faced by these practitioners and the conditions in higher education that encourage or inhibit innovative practitioner research. The case studies used illustrate that there are modes of enquiry and reporting that can foster the development of professional thinking and practice.

There is a growing trend for investigators to adopt a more formal approach to the procedures applied to various stages of clinical trials. Most environments employ some form of standard operating procedures which are designed to be used as ‘working tools’ within that particular field, e.g. standard operating procedures in hospitals for doctors and nurses. With rigorous standards of good clinical practice being applied to all areas, optimizing the design and use of standard operating procedures is more in demand every day. Topics covered include:

• A brief description of the history and development of clinical research and good clinical practice
• An explanation of what standard operating procedures are and how they work
• A selection of actual standard operating procedures and checklists

This inspirational text will appeal to those both starting research projects and those wanting to understand how research can be used in everyday working practice. It brings together expertise from a wide range of areas and makes research easy and accessible. The practical workbook style is easy to use and shows the whole process from design to dissemination and application. Those working in primary healthcare teams and the new organisations supporting them will find it essential reading. Primary Care Research series is aimed at developing the knowledge, expertise and skills of all practitioners in primary care. Each book is based on contributions from experts in their field and is supported by practical facts, personal insight, support and advice. They enable all primary care practitioners to realise the potential of exploring information used in everyday working practice. Other books in the Primary Care Research series: Wilson: Research Approaches in Primary Care Mathers: Statistical Analysis in Primary Care

This unique book is the first to bring together primary care experiences from around the world, with emphasis on non-Western regions. Utilising published articles that profile different countries' primary health care, accompanied by expert commentaries, the book consolidates global primary health care information over the past decade. Profiling the different countries' primary health care systems and their implementation of primary health care policy, as promoted by WHO and WONCA, the guide provides evidence of how countries and regions can introduce primary health care and family practice to improve their health care infrastructure and delivery. The book is essential reading for policy makers, health educators and academic leaders in primary care and students of global health and provides useful background for those entering or established in clinical family practice around the world.

This innovative and timely book draws on pioneering precedents, basic principles, current examples and international experience to capture the narratives, examples and ideas that underlie and demonstrate the exceptional potential of general practice: "If health care is not at is best where it is needed most, health inequalities will widen." "The unworried unwell are not hard to reach but they are easy to ignore and are often ignored." "With patient contact, population coverage, continuity, coordination, flexibility, long term relationships and trust, general practices are the natural hubs of local health systems." "... practitioners ... are not only scientists but also responsible citizens and if they did not raise their voice who else should?" Written for family doctors looking to strengthen local collaboration, it brings together the traditional strengths of consultations, caring, continuity, coordination and coverage with the current and future challenges of building capacity, community, creativity, consistency, collegiality and campaigning. It highlights the critical importance of working with patients, maximising the use of serial encounters, integrating care, joint working between practices, social prescribing, community development and advocacy based on patient and practitioner experience. Drawing on the highly-regarded work of Deep End GPs serving the poorest communities in Scotland www.gla.ac.uk/deepend the book is an invaluable handbook for all primary care doctors, irrespective of health care system or country, seeking to provide unconditional continuity of personalised care for all patients, whatever problem or combination of problems a patient may have.

Information is a key resource to primary health care and is increasingly required in individual practices. This book will demystify the subject, which is often presented in complex terms. It sets out in a simple and interesting way what information those working in primary care will need, the systems required to deliver them and how to set them up. Information and IT for Primary Care uses exercises, stories, key points, case studies, model answers and think boxes. Worldwide web links refers the reader to resources and shows how to get the most out of your computer. The book is user-friendly, jargon free and based on primary research evidence. It is essential reading for everyone working in primary care organisations including GPs, practice managers and nurses, and staff working in community trusts and the NHS.

Full Contributors:
Gavin Andrews, University of New South Wales, Australia Jesus Artal, University Hospital 'Marques de Valdecilla', Spain J.F. William,University of Manchester, UK F.W. Deakin, University of Manchester, UK Peter de Jong, University of Groningen, The Netherlands Linda Gask, University of Manchester, UK Kevin Gournay, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK Scott Henderson, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia Andrès Herran, University Hospital 'Marques de Valdecilla', Spain Caroline Hunt, University of New South Wales, Australia Peter Huxley,University of Manchester, UK Rachel Jenkins, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK Glyn Lewis, University of Wales College of Medicine, UK Elizabeth Lin Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, USA Ita Lyons, University of Wales College of Medicine, UK Anthony Mann, Institute of Psychiatry, UK Malik Mubbashar, Rawalpindi General Hospital, Pakistan Hans Ormel, University of Groningen, The Netherlands Norman Sartorius, Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève, Switzerland Deborah Sharp, University of Bristol, UK Greg Simon, University of Washington, USA Michele Tansella, Università di Verona, Italy Graham Thornicroft, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK André Tylee, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK Josè Luis Vazquez-Barquero, University Hospital 'Marques de Valdecilla', Spain ^Michael Von Korff, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, USA

Survival Skills for GPs is an in-depth interactive personal coaching course that: * Shows how you can survive the rigours of general practice * Teaches you how to stay in control of your professional life * Helps you learn to enjoy your career as a GP again * Gives you the confidence and skills to develop your career The first personal coaching course for GPs presented as an interactive workbook, which allows individual GPs, to progress from any stress in their lives through to job satisfaction and career development. It is applicable to all areas of life and shows comparisons to how other GPs' are doing. Survival is not only about learning to cope with the changing circumstances of being a GP, but how to flourish and enjoy work and life in general. This practical workbook takes the reader on a path from becoming more aware of the causes of stress, the effects and reactions to stress, through to looking at positive solutions and ideas. Survival skills for GPs is a specific programme written by a GP for GPs, which has evolved from the RCGP Stress Fellowship Learning Programme. It comprises six stand alone chapters which introduce stress management in both personal and professional lives. With in-depth practical ideas it can be used by individuals or small groups as an informal resource, or for more formal continuing professional education if PGEA is arranged. Here's what GPs have said about the Survival Skills for GPs programme: 'I liked the effective content and approach' 'Made me realise I am not alone and that I can improve' 'Helped me look at the good points of my work' 'Makes you think more than attending a course would' 'Useful to see how much of my stress equalled other GPs'

Skin lesions are often the first sign for an endocrine disease. Their description is thus of relevance for early diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disease for specialists in endocrinology as well as in dermatology.

Lavishly illustrated, this book describes the clinical and histological features of skin lesions observed in endocrine diseases. All features are reader-friendly structured and written in the language of dermatologists in order to enable a simple association between the features observed and the endocrine etiology.

The reorganization of general practice and the NHS mean that GPs now face many new and distinctive ethical dilemmas in their practice. With pressure on resources and an increasing concern to evaluate the outcomes of health care, GPs have additional responsibilities that could conflict with the primary objective of caring for the individual patient.
General Practice and Ethics explores the ethical issues that are encountered by GPs in their everyday practice, addressing two central themes; the uncertainty of outcomes and effectiveness in general practice and the changing pattern of general practitioners' responsibilities. Among the topics examined are:
* the ethical implications of the use of evidence-based medicine in general practice
* consent, autonomy and confidentiality in general practice
* the history of patient-centredness
* research ethics in general practice
General Practice and Ethics presents a topical and comprehensive analysis of the kinds of ethical dilemmas faced by GPs on a daily basis which will be useful to practitioners and students alike.

Primary healthcare premises are increasingly becoming more sophisticated, offering health promotion, minor surgery and specialist services. The acquisition of new premises, expansion or investment in traditional surgeries can be the greatest financial commitment and also one of the most daunting. This book is specifically written to enable development with minimal disruption to the daily medical routine. The book contains viewpoints of specialists with many years' experience gained from working in their individual fields. It is essential reading for GPs, trainees, practice managers and professional advisers to general practice. Specialist architects, solicitors, financial advisors, accountants and health authority managers will also achieve a better understanding of this complex subject.

This book fills the need in this growing market for a lucid and comprehensive description of the complex and exciting world of primary care. It is a readable "ready reference," positive in its approach, straightforward and factual in its style. This text also includes extensive references for further information and relevant clinical content that provides general information on subjects relevant to nurses in primary care, avoiding protocols which may vary from one area to another. Key facts relating to specific areas are presented in boxes throughout the text.

Rewritten with the new primary care environment in mind, this greatly expanded and updated edition of Child Mental Health in Primary Care extends the structured approach of the first edition to adoelscent mental health. As in the first edition, Primary Child and Adolescent Mental Health covers each problem in a uniform way, offering definitions, assessment outlines, detailed management options and indications for referral. Numerous case examples further illuminate aspects of many conditions. Comprehensive and practical, the forty-eight chapters of Primary Child and Adolescent Mental Health cover the full range of difficulties and disabilities affecting the mental health of children and young people. The book is divided into three volumes, and can either be read from cover to cover or used as a resource to be consulted for guidance on specific problems. This book is vital for all healthcare professionals including general practitioners, health visitors and other staff working in primary care to assess, manage and refer children and adolescents with mental health problems. School medical officers, social workers and educational psychologists, many of whom are in the front line of mental health provision for children and young people, will also find it extremely useful. Reviews of the first edition: 'This very comprehensive and detailed book provides the tools for primary care health professionals not only to assess a child's needs but in many cases also to implement an initial package of care.' JUST FOR NURSES 'I have no reservation in recommending the book to all people working with children and families in any capacity. An important training text for a variety of professions. A very effective text to be used in daily practice for quick reference.' CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH 'This book is well produced and clearly written. A useful book for anyone interested or involved with children.' FAMILY PRACTICE 'I looked through the book again and again but could not find anything missing.' NURSING TIMES

Private medical practice is an attractive option for career development. In the United Kingdom it forms a significant industry, yet little has been done to assist medical consultants in managing their businesses. This book gives clear advice to all medical practitioners on both business management and performance. It outlines ways to improve financial performance and economic efficiency in a constantly changing market. It reveals some of the 'secrets' of the successful business professional, and relates business management theories and techniques to real day-to-day problems. Written by a practising accountant and business advisor, this book provides help with finance, banking, taxation, staffing, marketing, medical insurance companies, and business planning, and considers future developments. It is essential for all those contemplating or currently working in private medical practice, and valuable to business, legal and financial professionals servicing this field.

In order to run a successful practice GPs need to have good management skills. This book guides the GP through practical issues such as how to construct a business plan, how to handle staff and encourage teamwork, how to make partnerships work, how to develop and maintain relationships with GHSAs, consultants, suppliers, and much more.

Over ten percent of people infected with the COVID virus will suffer with long COVID syndrome. Up until now, more than one million people have been affected with this syndrome in the United Kingdom alone, and the incidence worldwide is estimated to be more than 35 million people, although this may be the tip of the iceberg. The World Health Organization has highlighted a need for the three Rs -- Recognition, Research and Rehabilitation. Long COVID syndrome can be frustrating and disabling, even many months or years after the infection; sufferers complain of fatigue, pain, post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction and many other systemic symptoms. It can be challenging for healthcare professionals to recognise the disease and for patients who are suffering from the condition it can have a wide and far-reaching impact on their lives and day-to-day activities. Being a relatively new condition, many healthcare professionals, now more than ever, need to have the requisite knowledge to recognise and manage this severely debilitating disease. This book will be useful to all frontline healthcare professionals to help diagnose, manage and direct patients to the available resources. General practitioners, physiotherapists, pain therapists, nurses, surgeons, physicians, junior doctors, psychologists, medical students and other clinicians will be able to update their knowledge on long COVID syndrome with this easy-to-read book. Patients will also find the book useful to understand the basis of the disease and how they can seek help. This comprehensive treatise covers a wide variety of topics on long COVID syndrome including the aetiopathogenesis, recognition, systemic involvement, investigations, guidelines on management, available resources, systemic management and pain/fatigue management. This book will be handy for candidates preparing for various examinations conducted by the Royal College of General Practitioners, UK (MRCGP), Royal College of Anaesthetists, UK (FRCA), Faculty of Pain Medicine, UK (FFPMRCA), College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (FCAI), European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC), Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA), World Institute of Pain (FIPP/CIPS), National Board of Examinations of India (Dip NB), and the American and Canadian board examinations, as well as other examinations conducted by medical boards across the globe. The author is a consultant in pain medicine who has published extensively on various topics and specialises in treating long COVID patients. He has written many textbooks in the fields of anaesthesia and pain, and conducts regular examination courses attended by candidates from all over the world. He is also a regular invited lecturer on the specialist subject of long COVID syndrome.

This book is vital for health service managers and clinicians, in both purchaser and provider organizations, in community and hospital settings. It helps the reader understand the principles and purposes of casemix and provides practical examples of using casemix groupings to manage services better. Its lessons are not just for acute services, but provide a way of understanding the complete spectrum of services required for a wide range of conditions, from individuals at risk to those with irreversible and progressive disease. The book explains why casemix groups are useful and the reasons for grouping and analysing patient records. It focuses on the difference between groupings of patients with conditions, and groupings of intervention episodes. Using both enables better identification of the services required to meet the needs of the population, and better communication between purchasers and providers. It has potential for managing the whole healthcare system from a population based perspective.

As a result of recent changes in health care, nurses, GPs and health visitors find that they are required to take a major role in nutrition education and dietary advice. Health promotion is now an important aspect of general practice and community care. Shorter periods of hospitalisation, increased care of the chronically ill 'in the community' and the management of disorders like diabetes within general practice have meant that many more people now require specialised nutritional care. At the same time, rapid advances in nutrition have left some health professionals feeling that their dietary knowledge is inadequate. This book updates the reader on the relationships between diet and health and the use of diet in the management of disease. Topical but less familiar nutrients such as antioxidant vitamins or long-chain fatty acids are explained in ways that are easily understood. Adviceis given on the types on nutritional problems that can be successfully identified and managed in the primary-care setting and those that may require specialised dietetic help.

Presents information and advice on the extended role of the practice manager for both those with experience and increasing responsibility, and for those new to the primary care team. The book: identifies the various members of the primary health-care team; describes their individual roles; explores the management skills needed to manage the team and the practice; provides examples of real problems experienced in general practice; and examines communication in all its forms.