This book focuses on a diverse range of disciplines, including pharmacy, sociology, social policy, psychology, anthropology, history and health economics, with contributors each bringing a unique perspective and insight into the practice of pharmacy.

Contents:
1. Sociology: An Introduction 2. Contemporary Practice of Pharmacy 3. Health and Illness - Understanding the Public's Perspective 4. Seeking Help and Consulting Health Professionals 5. Social Factors and Health 6. Social Inequalities and Health 7. The Occupational Status of Pharmacy 8. Maintaining and Promoting Health 9. Social Research Methods

Pharmacy Practice discusses the many factors impinging on daily practice and the place of pharmacy in the delivery of health care. The book goes beyond simply considering how pharmacy is practised and draws on a diverse range of disciplines, including sociology, social policy, psychology, anthropology, history and health economics, with each contributor bringing a unique perspective and insight into that practice. In this fully updated edition, the content and presentation have been thoroughly revised and new material added to reflect the many changes that have occurred in the last edition, particularly in pharmacy and health policy and professional regulation and development. The book provides the background and context for issues currently impacting professional practice and which will determine how pharmacy will develop in the future.

Sociology for Pharmacists provides undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy students with a concise introduction to key sociological concepts, perspectives and research evidence pertaining to health, illness and professional practice. This book is timely given that pharmacists are encouraged to broaden their day-to-day practice, so that they become more involved with advising clients, managing medicines and supporting the promotion of health. In the light of developments in the 'extended role' of pharmacists, students of pharmacy are required to understand the social context of health, illness and professional practice. This text therefore provides a grounding in these topics, and as well as reviewing the relevant research, readers are directed towards additional reading. Key issues covered include:
* Key sociological concepts and perspectives
* Contemporary developments in pharmacy practice and pharmacy's professional status
* A review of research in to the way people react to illness and look after their health
* How and why illness and disease are influenced by gender, ethnicity, and social class
* Health education and pharmacists' role in health promotion and in ensuring appropriate medicine usage
* Social research methods