ABSTRACT

Public Health Practice in Australia offers a thorough introduction to what public health practitioners do, and the 'effort' involved in improving the health of the public.

This second edition has been fully revised and updated in line with current policies and practice. It highlights common threads that underlie seemingly disparate activities, ideas and entities that comprise the organised effort of public health practice. The emphasis is on securing and maintaining the conditions in society that enable people to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

The authors examine the impact of historical, social, economic, environmental and political factors on the health of individuals, communities and populations. Taking an applied, multidisciplinary approach, they outline the strategies and tools that public health practitioners use to improve health outcomes: identifying infrastructure needs in the workforce, public and private sector organisations, and in regulation; gathering, analysing and using health data; applying interventions in health policy, provision of health services and health promotion.

Public Health Practice in Australia draws on current international and Australian research and the interwoven case studies make the theories and concepts come alive. It is a valuable resource for students and professionals across the health sciences including public health, medicine, environmental health, health promotion, health information management and health administration.

'The book is impressive in the completeness, clarity and consistency of the material covered, and for the way in which many of the theoretical issues are related to current practice. An extremely useful and valuable reference for both students and practitioners alike.' - Thomas Tenkate, Environmental Health

part I|60 pages

Background: The basics

part III|104 pages

Public health infrastructure: Building blocks and the system of delivery

chapter 8|31 pages

Who delivers public health?

Contemporary policies and players

chapter 11|25 pages

Human and financial resources

Essential foundations for action

part IV|120 pages

Public health action: Key interventions from past to present

chapter 13|27 pages

Health protection

From the physical environment to ecological health

chapter 15|24 pages

Health promotion

From lifestyles to societal determinants of health

chapter 16|18 pages

Health maintenance and improvement for vulnerable populations:

From needs to rights

part V|53 pages

Public health challenges: Emerging issues and responses

chapter 17|24 pages

Public health governance:

Politics of participation, decision-making and accountability

chapter 18|22 pages

Futures of public health

Where to now for the organised effort?

chapter 19|5 pages

A final note on ethical practice