A fresh look at the balance of responsibilities and control in care-giving, both in the public and private spheres. Using previously unpublished empirical data, contributors focus on male experiences of welfare services.

This study examines the different ways in which needs are assessed and health care is organized and delivered. These matters are considered in the light of rapid change in patterns of health and illness; also the relationships between purchasers, providers and users of health services; and finally, in the politics of health service organization and funding. Exploring alternative ways of studying the people's health, the authors review the relationships between lay and expert knowledge, and question whether this is a meaningful distinction when addressing public health issues. The book is aimed at professionals and academics, and should be of particular interest to people working in public health and health services.

Every year a vast number of research studies and a myriad of other forms of 'evidence' are produced that have potential to inform policy and practice. Synthesis provides a way of bringing together diverse kinds of evidence to bridge the so called 'gap' between evidence and policy.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the range of approaches and methods available for synthesising qualitative and quantitative evidence and a detailed explanation of why this is important. It does this by: Looking at the different types of review and examining the place of synthesis in reviews for policy and management decision making Describing the process of conducting and interpreting syntheses Suggesting questions which can be used to assess the quality of a synthesis "Synthesising Qualitative and Quantitative Health Evidence" is essential reading for students and professional researchers who need to assemble and synthesise findings and insights from multiple sources. It is also relevant to policy makers and practitioners in the field of health, and those working in other areas of social and public policy.