Caring for Health: History and Diversity (Health & Disease S.) - Softcover

"Only too rarely are books published that are interdisciplinary in their approach. This volume, which forms part of the Health and Disease Open University course, is such a book: it offers a structured look at health and disease through historical, sociological, and economic perspectives...Although this book is aimed at the student, thecontent will appeal to the general reader, whether medical academic, or 'lay'...This revised edition is an important work on the development of British health services. It encompasses a wide variety of issues and themes and would repay study by all concerned with this subject...This book provides a comprehensive and readable survey of approaches in combination with key historical sources making it a valuable addition to the library of all interested in or concerned with the study or practice of health." - Social History of Medicine

A study of the historical development of health services, institutions and occupations in health care, and wider public health policies, from 1500 to the present day. While focusing primarily on the United Kingdom, the book traces the interaction between European systems of health care and indigenous healing traditions in the former colonial territories of European states. The parallel development of health care systems in the USA is also considered. The relationship between formal and lay health care is an important theme, with prominence given to the role of women as health care providers. The book concludes with a comparative analysis of methods of providing health care around the world. "Caring for Health" is a revised and updated verion of the first edition published in 1985 by Open University Press. It is aimed at lay and professional healthcare workers with an interest in all aspects of health and healthcare, as well as students of the social sciences, medicine and nursing, social work and social policy.