After a heart and lung transplant operation, dancer Claire Sylvia discovered that new organs were not the only thing she inherited. Never having liked such foods as beer and chicken nuggets, she suddenly started craving them. After an extraordinary dream, she seeks out the family of her donor -- a teenaged boy who died in a motorcycle accident -- and learns that it is indeed possible for two souls to merge in one body.
"This is a story that must be told and heard...a fascinating example of how cellular memory can outlive physical death." -- Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Adverse events in patients caused by medical management are a serious and grossly underreported public health problem. One patient in ten entering hospital will suffer an adverse event of impairment, disability or death. This book is a major comprehensive examination of the incidence and causes of adverse events. Using data obtained from hospitals within the United Kingdom, United States and other developed countries, it examines the risk factors leading to errors, the human and financial costs, and the scope to reduce errors. In particular, it focuses on the need for a critical reappraisal of undergraduate teaching and clinical tuition. All healthcare professionals throughout primary and secondary care, including clinicians, managers and policy makers, and patient and carer groups, can benefit from reading this book. It identifies possible solutions and how adverse events and medication errors can be reduced, resulting in improved patient care.

"This book investigates issues related to health inequality with a particular interest on developing countries. It provides rigorous empirical work on both trends and causal factors behind health inequality, analyzes the implications of health deprivations on poverty traps and suggests practical policies which can be implemented"--

This volume focuses specifically on the importance of managing diversity in todays health services. It examines what is meant by managing diversity and outlines the nature of current inequalities in the UK, and their implications for health care professionals. A practicaland practice focussed guide to developing the management skills and understanding required, this book provides an accessible mix of theory and practice, and a unique emphasis on real life applications. These are drawn from all sectors of healthcare, acute and primary, as well as the private and independent sectors. It explicitly and realistically explores the interface between management skills and knowledge and quality, fit-for-purpose practice.Accessible: Unique combination of clearly explained theory and real-life examples Expert contributors who bring their own expert knowledge and experiences to life Up-to date information on the context of health services today and the context of diversity and inequality Relevant: Specifically aimed at nurses and nursing Practical - readers reflect on real life examples to see how they can use their skills in practice

This volume deals with the topic of health inequalities and health disparities. The volume is divided into five sections. The first section includes an introductory look at the issue of health care inequalities and disparities and also an introduction to the volume. One of the backdrops to this topic in the United States was The National Healthcare Disparities Report and its focus on the ability of Americans to access health care and variation in the quality of care. Disparities related to socioeconomic status were included, as were disparities linked to race and ethnicity and the report also tried to explore the relationship between race/ethnicity and socioeconomic position, as explained in more detail in the first article in the book. The second article discusses a newer overall approach to issues related to health inequalities and health disparities.
The remaining four sections of the book address more specific topics relating to inequalities and disparities. The second section examines racial and ethnic inequalities and disparities. The third section includes articles that address the issue from the perspective of research about health care providers and health care facilities. The last two sections of the book focus on consumers and topics of health care disparities, with Section 4 focused on issues related to substance abuse, mental health and related concerns. Section 5 includes articles looking at issues of vulnerable women, women with breast cancer and people with colorectal cancer.
Inequalities and Disparities in Health Care and Health is important reading for medical sociologists and people working in other social science disciplines studying health-related issues. Thevolume also provides vital information for health services researchers, policy analysts and public health researchers.
*Chapters focus on the topics of health inequalities and health disparities
*Essential for medical sociologists and others in social science industries studying health-related issues

State-of-the-art counter-terrorism techniques, insights into modern medical practice, medical errors, and disaster prevention all intersect in this groundbreaking book by Adam Dorin, M.D., an anesthesiologist and medical director across 15 years. Dr. Dorin shows us why our healthcare system may be the next Ground Zero for terrorism and how many opportunities there are for terrorists to infiltrate the system. He offers a history of medical and healthcare-related serial killers, showing how they got inside the system to murder relatively easily, takes a detailed look at the profound problems that already exist in counterfeit and tainted medicinal products, and describes biological, chemical, and nuclear terrorism that could be used against our healthcare system. Most critically, Dr. Dorin presents a detailed blueprint for safeguarding our system and preventing medical terrorism from ever taking place. In tackling largely hidden but potentially deadly issues such as the failures of security at hospitals and surgical centers, Dr. Dorin's unique book offers the first in-depth public expose and loud alert to the risks and gaping weak spots in our healthcare system. Written simply and clearly, this work will interest all readers concerned with terrorism and the ways they might become victim to it. Dr. Dorin's warnings should certainly also interest and inform leaders and employees in the security, law enforcement, and medical fields.

Choices in Palliative Care brings together leading experts to spotlight core issues in the field and identify ways PC can fill gaps in current care systems. This far-sighted volume redefines palliative care as interdisciplinary and integrative, bridging acute and long-term care to respond to clients evolving needs. Those teaching health service delivery courses will find this material especially useful.

Cultural competence in Health Care provides a balance between a theoretical foundation and clinical application. Because of the focus on basic principles, this book will be useful not only in the United States, but throughout the world as Cultural Competence is intending to fill the cultural competence gap for students and practitioners of medicine and related health sciences, by providing knowledge and describing the skills needed for culturally relevant medical care of patients of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Throughout the health care system, the traditional boundaries between professional groups are becoming increasingly blurred in response to local service needs and national policy objectives. New clinical roles are developing and nurses and other health professionals are finding opportunities to review and reconfigure their roles in response to changing health care needs and national policy imperatives. This book grew out of the editors involvement in the UKCCs work on the regulation of specialist, advanced and higher level practice and Department of Health research on new role developments and the impact of the `New Dealreduction in junior doctors hours. It combines a comprehensive and thought provoking overview of the key issues and emerging challenges with practical suggestions for promoting appropriate and sustainable role development.Reflects the multi-disciplinary context of role development includes examples and contributions from physiotherapists, OTs, pharmacists and doctors as well as nurses Emphasises the importance of patient-led development of rolesFocuseson the significance of education and research Puts role development within the context of health services as a wholeIncludes case studies and examples Combines policy context with practical advice on how to develop new clinical roles

Foreword by Randy E. BarnettIn 2012, the United States Supreme Court became the centre of the political world. In a dramatic and unexpected 5-4 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts voted on narrow grounds to save the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. Unprecedented tells the inside story of how the challenge to Obamacare raced across all three branches of government, and narrowly avoided a constitutional collision between the Supreme Court and President Obama. On November 13, 2009, a group of Federalist Society lawyers met in the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., to devise a legal challenge to the constitutionality of President Obama's legacy",his healthcare reform. It seemed a very long shot, and was dismissed peremptorily by the White House, much of Congress, most legal scholars, and all of the media. Two years later the fight to overturn the Affordable Care Act became a political and legal firestorm. When, finally, the Supreme Court announced its ruling, the judgment was so surprising that two cable news channels misreported it and announced that the Act had been declared unconstitutional. Unprecedented offers unrivaled inside access to how key decisions were made in Washington, based on interviews with over one hundred of the people who lived this journey,including the academics who began the challenge, the attorneys who litigated the case at all levels, and Obama administration attorneys who successfully defended the law. It reads like a political thriller, provides the definitive account of how the Supreme Court almost struck down President Obama's unprecedented" law, and explains what this decision means for the future of the Constitution, the limits on federal power, and the Supreme Court.

The rapid economic growth of the past few decades has radically transformed India's labour market, bringing millions of former agricultural workers into manufacturing industries, and, more recently, the expanding service industries, such as call centres and IT companies. Alongside this employment shift has come a change in health and health problems, as communicable diseases have become less common, while non-communicable diseases, like cardiovascular problems, and mental health issues such as stress, have increased. This interdisciplinary work connects those two trends to offer an analysis of the impact of working conditions on the health of Indian workers that is unprecedented in scope and depth.

From the author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians, a gripping, provocative exploration of the NHS, told through the most critical moments in its 75-year history 'The book the NHS has always deserved' Andrew Marr 'Funny, intelligent and so beautifully written . . . a much-needed book' Chris van Tulleken 'Brilliant' Adam Kay ________________ Since its foundation in 1948, the NHS has come to define our national identity; it even topped the "what makes Britain great" poll in 2022. It has made history (and the headlines) again and again - from cutting edge discoveries like the first 'test tube baby', to its heroic response to the Coronavirus crisis. But the NHS has also become a battleground for some of the fiercest political contests of our time, perceived either as a national treasure, or as a lumbering piece of state machinery in need of renovation. In Fighting for Life, bestselling journalist Isabel Hardman cuts through the sentimentality and sloganeering on all sides of the political spectrum. Packed with gripping stories from the people at the beating heart of this venerated institution - its nurses, its doctors, its patients and the politicians who decide its fate - this is the essential book for understanding our NHS, and who we are as a nation.

New treatments and advances in therapy for the ravages of Parkinson's disease are constantly being researched and perfected for patients, yet those afflicted still must endure tremors, poor balance, speech problems, and lessened psychological well-being. Patients and families need the most up-to-date information available to improve quality of care and life.
This new, second edition of Caring for the Parkinson Patient covers a variety of topics, providing information and helpful suggestions for patients, families, and caregivers to aid them as they grapple with this chronic, debilitating neurological disorder. Sixteen accessible and information-packed essays by noted contributors address diagnosis and treatment, new research, communication, physical/ occupational therapy, nursing care, problems faced by the caregiver, emotional changes, "neurorehab," prevention of falls, sleep problems, surgery, community supports, the family, sexuality, and safe home environments.
With a wealth of information, practical advice, and encouragement, Caring for the Parkinson Patient is an indispensable resource guide for all those touched by Parkinson's disease.

This timely revision of the authoritative handbook gives a wide range of providers practical insights and strategies for treating cancer survivors' long-term physical and mental health issues. Details of new and emerging trends in research and practice enhance readers' awareness of cancer survivor problems so they may better detect, monitor, intervene in, and if possible prevent disturbing conditions and potentially harmful outcomes. Of particular emphasis in this model of care are recognizing each patient's uniqueness within the survivor population and being a co-pilot as survivors navigate their self-management. New or updated chapters cover major challenges to survivors' quality of life and options for service delivery across key life domains, including: Adaptation and coping post-treatment. Problems of aging in survivorship, disparities and financial hardship. Well-being concerns including physical activity, weight loss, nutrition, and smoking cessation. Core functional areas such as work, sleep, relationships, and cognition. Large-scale symptoms including pain, distress, and fatigue. Models of care including primary care and comprehensive cancer center. International perspectives PLUS, insights about lessons learned and challenges ahead. With survivorship and its care becoming an ever more important part of the clinical landscape, the Second Edition of the Handbook of Cancer Survivorship is an essential reference for oncologists, rehabilitation professionals, public health, health promotion and disease prevention specialists, and epidemiologists.

Low- and middle-income countries face major challenges to their health systems. These include a high burden of communicable disease and an emerging non-communicable disease burden. Coverage of effective services and interventions is inadequate and often constrained by funding availability. At the same time, the international financing environment is changing rapidly, with new funding streams becoming available in part as a response to the challenges of meeting the Millennium Development Goals. These countries have taken a diversity of approaches to health care financing policies and programs to face the old and emerging challenges. This is increasingly accompanied by conceptual and applied research which is contributing to our understanding of how different financing mechanisms can contribute to the overall objectives of a health care system. The goal of this volume is to assemble the best of this research and synthesize 'best practices' for the benefit of researchers, policy makers and high level administrators, dealing with all elements of health care financing and focusing on both middle- and low-income settings, to represent the experiences of all regions of the developing world.

The era of globalization allows for more connectivity between nations and cultures. This increase in international association gives citizens the ability to take advantage of opportunities in other nations, such as medical assistance and accompanying services. Medical Tourism: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice is a comprehensive reference source for the latest scholarly material on trends, practices, and emerging phenomena of international travel by patients for medical treatment and examines the benefits and challenges of these services. Highlighting a range of pertinent topics such as hospitality management, reproductive medicine, and ethical considerations, this multi-volume book is ideally designed for the needs of healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, students, and medical professionals seeking relevant research on the relationship between global travel and access to healthcare.

Extended Reality for Healthcare Systems: Recent Advances in Contemporary Research focuses on real world applications in medicine, also providing an overview of emerging technologies. The book includes case studies that break down the ways in which this technology has and can be used, while also taking readers through evidence, best practices and obstacles. Sections emphasize evidence, research-based practices and work. Content coverage includes Enhancing Medical Education with AR/VR, and XR: The Future of Surgery and Building Systems for Enhanced Health, and more. Readers will learn how to use this technology to improve existing systems by enhancing precision and reducing costs. Other sections cover extended reality in elderly care and remote monitoring of patients, building systems for enhanced health, including telehealth and telepsychiatry, using AR and VR in medical education, and designing technology for use in telesurgery.

The special relationship of trust and openness between doctor and patient has been vital for centuries. But, under the guise of providing affordable healthcare, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) threaten not only quality but the essential doctor/patient bond as well.
Government and corporate intervention has turned medicine into big business where the patient is viewed as a source of cash flow rather than as a human being. Mismanaged Care exposes this new age of HMO doctoring for what it is: a rush to profit rather than a concern for patient's needs; a cost-versus-quality machine that emphasizes the bottom line, while patients become the victims of a corporate mentality that favors assembly-line treatment standards.
With more than thirty years experience in medicine, Dr. Makover argues eloquently and authoritatively for a return to the professionalism that puts patients' needs first. He calls for the healthcare debate to be stripped from the hands of politicians, businessmen, insurance providers, and lawyers, and given back to patients and independent, self-employed doctors. He closely examines facts and fallacies, and the pros and cons of managed care, and suggests better ways to finance healthcare.

This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International licence. It is free to read at Oxford Academic and offered as a free PDF download from OUP and selected open access locations. In October 2019, Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, and Michael Kremer jointly won the 51st Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel "for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty." But what is the exact scope of their experimental method, known as randomized control trials (RCTs)? Which sorts of questions are RCTs able to address and which do they fail to answer? The first of its kind, Randomized Control Trials in the Field of Development: A Critical Perspective provides answers to these questions, explaining how RCTs work, what they can achieve, why they sometimes fail, how they can be improved and why other methods are both useful and necessary. Bringing together leading specialists in the field from a range of backgrounds and disciplines (economics, econometrics, mathematics, statistics, political economy, socioeconomics, anthropology, philosophy, global health, epidemiology, and medicine), it presents a full and coherent picture of the main strengths and weaknesses of RCTs in the field of development. Looking beyond the epistemological, political, and ethical differences underlying many of the disagreements surrounding RCTs, it explores the implementation of RCTs on the ground, outside of their ideal theoretical conditions and reveals some unsuspected uses and effects, their disruptive potential, but also their political uses. The contributions uncover the implicit worldview that many RCTs draw on and disseminate, and probe the gap between the method's narrow scope and its success, while also proposing improvements and alternatives. Without disputing the contribution of RCTs to scientific knowledge, Randomized Control Trials in the Field of Development warns against the potential dangers of their excessive use, arguing that the best use for RCTs is not necessarily that which immediately springs to mind. Written in plain language, this book offers experts and laypeople alike a unique opportunity to come to an informed and reasoned judgement on RCTs and what they can bring to development.