Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The goals of healthcare and health policy, and the health-related dilemmas facing policy makers, professionals, and citizens are analysed and debated in a range of disciplines, including public ...
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The goals of healthcare and health policy, and the health-related dilemmas facing policy makers, professionals, and citizens are analysed and debated in a range of disciplines, including public health, sociology, and applied philosophy. The book's core argument is that clinical ethics needs to be understood in the context of public health ethics. This entails healthcare ethics embracing ‘the social dimension’ of health in two overlapping senses: first, the various respects in which health experiences and outcomes are socially determined; and second, the ways in which health-related goods are better understood as social rather then purely individual goods. This broader approach to the ethics of healthcare includes a concern with the social construction of both healthcare goods and the roles, ideals, and obligations of agents; that is to say it focuses upon the ‘value field’ of health-related action and not only upon the ethics of action within this value field. This book thus ‘opens up’ the agenda of healthcare ethics both methodologically and substantively: it argues that population-oriented perspectives are central to all healthcare ethics, and that everybody has some share of responsibility for securing health-related goods including the good of greater health equality. One of its major conclusions is that the rather limited tradition of health education policy and practice needs a complete re-think.Less
The goals of healthcare and health policy, and the health-related dilemmas facing policy makers, professionals, and citizens are analysed and debated in a range of disciplines, including public health, sociology, and applied philosophy. The book's core argument is that clinical ethics needs to be understood in the context of public health ethics. This entails healthcare ethics embracing ‘the social dimension’ of health in two overlapping senses: first, the various respects in which health experiences and outcomes are socially determined; and second, the ways in which health-related goods are better understood as social rather then purely individual goods. This broader approach to the ethics of healthcare includes a concern with the social construction of both healthcare goods and the roles, ideals, and obligations of agents; that is to say it focuses upon the ‘value field’ of health-related action and not only upon the ethics of action within this value field. This book thus ‘opens up’ the agenda of healthcare ethics both methodologically and substantively: it argues that population-oriented perspectives are central to all healthcare ethics, and that everybody has some share of responsibility for securing health-related goods including the good of greater health equality. One of its major conclusions is that the rather limited tradition of health education policy and practice needs a complete re-think.
Debra L. Dodson
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780198296744
- eISBN:
- 9780191603709
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198296746.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This book explores the complex relationship between women’s presence and impact in two strikingly different, consecutive congresses. Drawing on hundreds of elite interviews and archival information, ...
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This book explores the complex relationship between women’s presence and impact in two strikingly different, consecutive congresses. Drawing on hundreds of elite interviews and archival information, the case studies of three highly visible policy areas (reproductive rights, women’s health, and health care policy) move beyond the question of ‘Do women make a difference?’ to confront the oft-ignored, contested issues surrounding gender difference and impact: its probabilistic nature, contested legitimacy, and disputed meaning. The analysis enhances understanding of how gendered forces at the individual, institutional, and societal levels combine to reinforce and redefine gendered relationships to power in the public sphere, and suggests strategies to strengthen substantive representation of women.Less
This book explores the complex relationship between women’s presence and impact in two strikingly different, consecutive congresses. Drawing on hundreds of elite interviews and archival information, the case studies of three highly visible policy areas (reproductive rights, women’s health, and health care policy) move beyond the question of ‘Do women make a difference?’ to confront the oft-ignored, contested issues surrounding gender difference and impact: its probabilistic nature, contested legitimacy, and disputed meaning. The analysis enhances understanding of how gendered forces at the individual, institutional, and societal levels combine to reinforce and redefine gendered relationships to power in the public sphere, and suggests strategies to strengthen substantive representation of women.
Jan Abel Olsen
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199237814
- eISBN:
- 9780191717215
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199237814.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Principles in Health Economics and Policy is a concise introduction to health economics and its application to health policy. It introduces the subject of economics, explains the ...
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Principles in Health Economics and Policy is a concise introduction to health economics and its application to health policy. It introduces the subject of economics, explains the fundamental failures in the market for health care, and discusses the concepts of equity and fairness when applied to health and health care. The book takes a policy-oriented approach, emphasizing the application of economic analysis to universal health policy issues. It explores the key questions facing health policy-makers across the globe right now, such as: how should society intervene in the determinants that affect health? How should health care be financed? How should health care providers be paid? And, how should alternative health care programmes be evaluated when setting priorities? Exercises and suggested readings are included after each chapter.Less
Principles in Health Economics and Policy is a concise introduction to health economics and its application to health policy. It introduces the subject of economics, explains the fundamental failures in the market for health care, and discusses the concepts of equity and fairness when applied to health and health care. The book takes a policy-oriented approach, emphasizing the application of economic analysis to universal health policy issues. It explores the key questions facing health policy-makers across the globe right now, such as: how should society intervene in the determinants that affect health? How should health care be financed? How should health care providers be paid? And, how should alternative health care programmes be evaluated when setting priorities? Exercises and suggested readings are included after each chapter.
Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter focuses on one of the most important dimensions of the diffusion of the health agenda: the opening up of the ‘ends’ of health policy. It discusses the concept of health and considers the ...
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This chapter focuses on one of the most important dimensions of the diffusion of the health agenda: the opening up of the ‘ends’ of health policy. It discusses the concept of health and considers the ways in which various conceptions of health or other health-related goods are, or ought to be, embodied in policies and practices, as self-consciously chosen ends or as elements built into the value field. The second part of the chapter asks some more direct questions about the nature and boundaries of healthcare and health policy, about the difficulties of isolating health from health-related goods, or health-related goods from other goods, and about some of the value tensions inherent in health-related discourses.Less
This chapter focuses on one of the most important dimensions of the diffusion of the health agenda: the opening up of the ‘ends’ of health policy. It discusses the concept of health and considers the ways in which various conceptions of health or other health-related goods are, or ought to be, embodied in policies and practices, as self-consciously chosen ends or as elements built into the value field. The second part of the chapter asks some more direct questions about the nature and boundaries of healthcare and health policy, about the difficulties of isolating health from health-related goods, or health-related goods from other goods, and about some of the value tensions inherent in health-related discourses.
Erica Bell
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199549337
- eISBN:
- 9780191720635
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199549337.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Individuals working in health research want to be able to use their findings to influence health policy. However, frequently, research evidence remains detached from practice, and there is a divide ...
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Individuals working in health research want to be able to use their findings to influence health policy. However, frequently, research evidence remains detached from practice, and there is a divide between research and policy. Research for Health Policy is an introduction to the emerging genre of applied research for policy decision-making, offering new research methods that go beyond the traditional classical experimental techniques and standard qualitative methods. This practical and practice-based book is relevant to researchers in different disciplines and countries, and will equip the reader with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to deliver policy-relevant research in the government, not-for-profit, and private sectors. As a book that helps its reader to develop the blend of strategic people skills, methodological inventiveness, research entrepreneurship, creative design, and policy writing know-how that is critical to delivering useful research evidence for policy, Research for Health Policy is essential reading for anyone doing, studying, or teaching health policy advocacy and research. It also has much to offer postgraduate and professional development students and their educators, who want to move beyond the common undergraduate focus on policy content areas and policy theory/process, to learn more advanced practical research skills for policy-making.Less
Individuals working in health research want to be able to use their findings to influence health policy. However, frequently, research evidence remains detached from practice, and there is a divide between research and policy. Research for Health Policy is an introduction to the emerging genre of applied research for policy decision-making, offering new research methods that go beyond the traditional classical experimental techniques and standard qualitative methods. This practical and practice-based book is relevant to researchers in different disciplines and countries, and will equip the reader with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to deliver policy-relevant research in the government, not-for-profit, and private sectors. As a book that helps its reader to develop the blend of strategic people skills, methodological inventiveness, research entrepreneurship, creative design, and policy writing know-how that is critical to delivering useful research evidence for policy, Research for Health Policy is essential reading for anyone doing, studying, or teaching health policy advocacy and research. It also has much to offer postgraduate and professional development students and their educators, who want to move beyond the common undergraduate focus on policy content areas and policy theory/process, to learn more advanced practical research skills for policy-making.
Carole Clavier and Evelyne de Leeuw (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199658039
- eISBN:
- 9780191765780
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199658039.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Scholars and governments recognise the importance of policy development and implementation for population health, but there is a lack of systematic theoretical and conceptual development in the ...
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Scholars and governments recognise the importance of policy development and implementation for population health, but there is a lack of systematic theoretical and conceptual development in the health field to address the issue. Health Promotion and Policy is the first book to take an in-depth look at the theoretical advances in the political sciences including discussing the significance of political economy and sociology, which have so far made little in-roads into health promotion development. The book argues that focusing on how public policies work makes it possible to move beyond the more behavioural ‘health education’ and to move from political statements to political strategies. The authors draw from a wide array of theories on the policy process in the fields of political science and political sociology to illuminate health promotion strategies and objectives. For example discussing how Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Model, Sabatier’s Advocacy-Coalition Framework and policy network theories can help towards greater health equity, healthy public policies and/or community development. By providing practical and critical tools, research, and experience based discussion Health Promotion and Policy discusses how theories can be used to influence, evaluate, orient or implement health promotion interventions and policies. This book will be essential reading for health promoters who want to make a difference by influencing social determinants of health at the policy level including students, public health professionals, researchers, practitioners, decision makers and those concerned with applied policy research.Less
Scholars and governments recognise the importance of policy development and implementation for population health, but there is a lack of systematic theoretical and conceptual development in the health field to address the issue. Health Promotion and Policy is the first book to take an in-depth look at the theoretical advances in the political sciences including discussing the significance of political economy and sociology, which have so far made little in-roads into health promotion development. The book argues that focusing on how public policies work makes it possible to move beyond the more behavioural ‘health education’ and to move from political statements to political strategies. The authors draw from a wide array of theories on the policy process in the fields of political science and political sociology to illuminate health promotion strategies and objectives. For example discussing how Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Model, Sabatier’s Advocacy-Coalition Framework and policy network theories can help towards greater health equity, healthy public policies and/or community development. By providing practical and critical tools, research, and experience based discussion Health Promotion and Policy discusses how theories can be used to influence, evaluate, orient or implement health promotion interventions and policies. This book will be essential reading for health promoters who want to make a difference by influencing social determinants of health at the policy level including students, public health professionals, researchers, practitioners, decision makers and those concerned with applied policy research.
Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This introductory chapter discusses the ‘diffusion of the health agenda’ and its implications for healthcare and healthcare ethics. It begins with a thumbnail sketch of some fundamental shifts in ...
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This introductory chapter discusses the ‘diffusion of the health agenda’ and its implications for healthcare and healthcare ethics. It begins with a thumbnail sketch of some fundamental shifts in modern health policy and services, and looks briefly at some of the philosophical changes that underpin these shifts — the so-called ‘social turn’ in healthcare. The chapter then reflects upon some of the implications of this diffused agenda for healthcare ethics.Less
This introductory chapter discusses the ‘diffusion of the health agenda’ and its implications for healthcare and healthcare ethics. It begins with a thumbnail sketch of some fundamental shifts in modern health policy and services, and looks briefly at some of the philosophical changes that underpin these shifts — the so-called ‘social turn’ in healthcare. The chapter then reflects upon some of the implications of this diffused agenda for healthcare ethics.
Erica Bell
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199549337
- eISBN:
- 9780191720635
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199549337.003.012
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This introductory chapter begins with a brief discussion on the purpose of the book, which is to provide readers with the ‘hands-on’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to deliver research for ...
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This introductory chapter begins with a brief discussion on the purpose of the book, which is to provide readers with the ‘hands-on’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to deliver research for health policy, in the government, not-for-profit, and private sectors. It focuses on describing research for health policy in a heuristic, practice-based way. The chapter then discusses two assertions underpinning the approach in the book and three different kinds of sources used throughout the volume.Less
This introductory chapter begins with a brief discussion on the purpose of the book, which is to provide readers with the ‘hands-on’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to deliver research for health policy, in the government, not-for-profit, and private sectors. It focuses on describing research for health policy in a heuristic, practice-based way. The chapter then discusses two assertions underpinning the approach in the book and three different kinds of sources used throughout the volume.
Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter introduces the concept of health-policy ethics by exploring the nature and ethics of health promotion. The main concern is to highlight the implications of the issues reviewed for the ...
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This chapter introduces the concept of health-policy ethics by exploring the nature and ethics of health promotion. The main concern is to highlight the implications of the issues reviewed for the theory and practice of healthcare ethics when it shifts from a clinical to a more societal focus. It begins by identifying generalizations about health promotion broadly conceived and some of the distinctive features of health-promotion ethics. Some of the fundamental continuities between health promotion and more conventional healthcare are discussed.Less
This chapter introduces the concept of health-policy ethics by exploring the nature and ethics of health promotion. The main concern is to highlight the implications of the issues reviewed for the theory and practice of healthcare ethics when it shifts from a clinical to a more societal focus. It begins by identifying generalizations about health promotion broadly conceived and some of the distinctive features of health-promotion ethics. Some of the fundamental continuities between health promotion and more conventional healthcare are discussed.
Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter begins by briefly reflecting on some of the different senses of responsibility. It then considers the relationship between specific examples of questions about health responsibilities ...
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This chapter begins by briefly reflecting on some of the different senses of responsibility. It then considers the relationship between specific examples of questions about health responsibilities and the more overarching questions. It is argued that for healthcare ethics, diffused responsibility means combining ethical analysis of policy contexts and institutions with work on individual professionals and citizens. We must examine and find ways of appraising the ethical bases and effects of the social and institutional arrangements which shape the production of health experiences and the distribution of health-related entitlements and obligations. Policy-making has to be evaluated through this lens, and the actions of individuals judged within this context. Each of these layers of appraisal is only relatively autonomous. Overall, the judgements made at each level determine the judgements we make at the others.Less
This chapter begins by briefly reflecting on some of the different senses of responsibility. It then considers the relationship between specific examples of questions about health responsibilities and the more overarching questions. It is argued that for healthcare ethics, diffused responsibility means combining ethical analysis of policy contexts and institutions with work on individual professionals and citizens. We must examine and find ways of appraising the ethical bases and effects of the social and institutional arrangements which shape the production of health experiences and the distribution of health-related entitlements and obligations. Policy-making has to be evaluated through this lens, and the actions of individuals judged within this context. Each of these layers of appraisal is only relatively autonomous. Overall, the judgements made at each level determine the judgements we make at the others.
Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.003.0012
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter looks at the shape of the health agenda. In other words, it considers some of the health-policy choices we face, whether as legislators, managers, health professionals, or as individual ...
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This chapter looks at the shape of the health agenda. In other words, it considers some of the health-policy choices we face, whether as legislators, managers, health professionals, or as individual citizens. Topics discussed include the drive of globalization, the drive of biomedicine, competing ideas in healthcare, and realizing health as a social good.Less
This chapter looks at the shape of the health agenda. In other words, it considers some of the health-policy choices we face, whether as legislators, managers, health professionals, or as individual citizens. Topics discussed include the drive of globalization, the drive of biomedicine, competing ideas in healthcare, and realizing health as a social good.
Jill Quadagno
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195160390
- eISBN:
- 9780199944026
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195160390.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Race and Ethnicity
This chapter demonstrates how the coalition of insurance companies, managed-care firms, and small businesses destroyed a proposal for home care for disabled people in the 1980s, and notes that the ...
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This chapter demonstrates how the coalition of insurance companies, managed-care firms, and small businesses destroyed a proposal for home care for disabled people in the 1980s, and notes that the same coalition also attacked President Clinton's plan for universal health care in the 1990s. It begins by discussing long-term care for the weak elderly, then looks at another revival of the national health insurance and introduces the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985, which tried to fill the gaps within the private health insurance system. The chapter then studies health policy making after the Health Security failed.Less
This chapter demonstrates how the coalition of insurance companies, managed-care firms, and small businesses destroyed a proposal for home care for disabled people in the 1980s, and notes that the same coalition also attacked President Clinton's plan for universal health care in the 1990s. It begins by discussing long-term care for the weak elderly, then looks at another revival of the national health insurance and introduces the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985, which tried to fill the gaps within the private health insurance system. The chapter then studies health policy making after the Health Security failed.
Mario Mazzocchi, W. Bruce Traill, and Jason F. Shogren
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199213856
- eISBN:
- 9780191695902
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199213856.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
The obesity epidemic and the growing debate about what, if any, public health policy should be adopted is the subject of endless debates within the media and in governments around the world. Whilst ...
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The obesity epidemic and the growing debate about what, if any, public health policy should be adopted is the subject of endless debates within the media and in governments around the world. Whilst much has been written on the subject, this book takes a unique approach by looking at the obesity epidemic from an economic perspective. Written in a language accessible to non-specialists, the authors provide a timely discussion of evolving nutrition policies in both the developing and developed world, discuss the factors influencing supply and demand of food supply, and review the evidence for various factors which may explain recent trends in diets, weight, and health. The traditional economic model assumes people choose to be overweight as part of a utility maximisation process that involves choices about what to eat and drink, how much time to spend on leisure, food preparation, and exercise, and choices about appearance and health. Market and behavioural failures, however, such as time available to a person, education, costs imposed on the health system and economic productivity provide the economic rationale for government intervention. The authors explore various policy measures designed to deal with the epidemic and examine their effectiveness within a cost-benefit analysis framework. While providing a sound economic basis for analysing policy decisions, the book also aims to show the underlying limits of the economic framework in quantifying changes in public well-being.Less
The obesity epidemic and the growing debate about what, if any, public health policy should be adopted is the subject of endless debates within the media and in governments around the world. Whilst much has been written on the subject, this book takes a unique approach by looking at the obesity epidemic from an economic perspective. Written in a language accessible to non-specialists, the authors provide a timely discussion of evolving nutrition policies in both the developing and developed world, discuss the factors influencing supply and demand of food supply, and review the evidence for various factors which may explain recent trends in diets, weight, and health. The traditional economic model assumes people choose to be overweight as part of a utility maximisation process that involves choices about what to eat and drink, how much time to spend on leisure, food preparation, and exercise, and choices about appearance and health. Market and behavioural failures, however, such as time available to a person, education, costs imposed on the health system and economic productivity provide the economic rationale for government intervention. The authors explore various policy measures designed to deal with the epidemic and examine their effectiveness within a cost-benefit analysis framework. While providing a sound economic basis for analysing policy decisions, the book also aims to show the underlying limits of the economic framework in quantifying changes in public well-being.
Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter focuses on one of the most important dimensions of the diffusion of the health agenda: the opening up of levels of ‘involvement’ in healthcare and policy. It reviews the nature and ...
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This chapter focuses on one of the most important dimensions of the diffusion of the health agenda: the opening up of levels of ‘involvement’ in healthcare and policy. It reviews the nature and ethical significance of participation in both healthcare and health policy. It considers the relationship between participation at the levels of care and policy, including the relationship between people participating as patients and as citizens. The discussion is designed not only to highlight the central ethical importance of participation, but also to specify the reasons it falls far short of an ‘ethical panacea’. Participation has to be understood as only one element in a complex nexus of competing healthcare goods.Less
This chapter focuses on one of the most important dimensions of the diffusion of the health agenda: the opening up of levels of ‘involvement’ in healthcare and policy. It reviews the nature and ethical significance of participation in both healthcare and health policy. It considers the relationship between participation at the levels of care and policy, including the relationship between people participating as patients and as citizens. The discussion is designed not only to highlight the central ethical importance of participation, but also to specify the reasons it falls far short of an ‘ethical panacea’. Participation has to be understood as only one element in a complex nexus of competing healthcare goods.
Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The most important ethical implication of the diffusion of the health agenda is the growth in salience of health inequalities. Taking a broad social perspective on health opens up the consideration ...
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The most important ethical implication of the diffusion of the health agenda is the growth in salience of health inequalities. Taking a broad social perspective on health opens up the consideration of patterns of determinants and patterns of health experiences. This chapter addresses the following issues: (i) What they might entail in practice, in other words: ‘What would a more equal health polity have to aim at?’ and (ii) How far should health or public policy be led by a concern with equity where this comes into conflict with other relevant values? The first part of the chapter sets out the rationale for thinking that health inequalities are ethically important. The chapter later places more emphasis on the problems of interpreting the implications of this ethical significance.Less
The most important ethical implication of the diffusion of the health agenda is the growth in salience of health inequalities. Taking a broad social perspective on health opens up the consideration of patterns of determinants and patterns of health experiences. This chapter addresses the following issues: (i) What they might entail in practice, in other words: ‘What would a more equal health polity have to aim at?’ and (ii) How far should health or public policy be led by a concern with equity where this comes into conflict with other relevant values? The first part of the chapter sets out the rationale for thinking that health inequalities are ethically important. The chapter later places more emphasis on the problems of interpreting the implications of this ethical significance.
Alan Cribb
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199242733
- eISBN:
- 9780191603549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199242739.003.0011
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter seeks to pull together the arguments and implications of the book. In particular, it wants to ask how we — individually and collectively — ought to understand and debate the major ...
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This chapter seeks to pull together the arguments and implications of the book. In particular, it wants to ask how we — individually and collectively — ought to understand and debate the major questions of public-health policy. It focuses on the methodological implications of the arguments, i.e., their implications for the direction of healthcare ethics. It is argued that we each have some responsibility to divide our attention between our immediate ‘role-related’ obligations and the wider evaluation and construction of the social frameworks that define these roles and associated ‘ethical positions’. One aspect of this broader responsibility is seeking to understand the value field of health-related action: of the ways in which health-related goods are socially constructed and produced, and of the scope for changing these things.Less
This chapter seeks to pull together the arguments and implications of the book. In particular, it wants to ask how we — individually and collectively — ought to understand and debate the major questions of public-health policy. It focuses on the methodological implications of the arguments, i.e., their implications for the direction of healthcare ethics. It is argued that we each have some responsibility to divide our attention between our immediate ‘role-related’ obligations and the wider evaluation and construction of the social frameworks that define these roles and associated ‘ethical positions’. One aspect of this broader responsibility is seeking to understand the value field of health-related action: of the ways in which health-related goods are socially constructed and produced, and of the scope for changing these things.
Mark Schlesinger
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195170665
- eISBN:
- 9780199850204
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195170665.003.0024
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter examines the emergence of market ideology and how it has reshaped understanding of the nature and import of inequality within the American health-care system. It describes four changes ...
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This chapter examines the emergence of market ideology and how it has reshaped understanding of the nature and import of inequality within the American health-care system. It describes four changes that have dramatically altered the politics of inequality in medical care. First, the introduction of markets to medical care exacerbates unequal health outcomes. Long-standing differences in health-care utilization and health outcomes are likely to grow under market reforms. Second, market arrangements promoted the growth of large health-care corporations. Their political power may circumscribe government policy making that could limit health inequalities. Third, market frames are associated with different standards of fairness for assessing the performance of the health-care system. This changes the outcomes seen as inequitable, and hence suitable, for government intervention. Fourth, market schemas have transformed prevailing discourse around important perspectives on health policy, including the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of local communities.Less
This chapter examines the emergence of market ideology and how it has reshaped understanding of the nature and import of inequality within the American health-care system. It describes four changes that have dramatically altered the politics of inequality in medical care. First, the introduction of markets to medical care exacerbates unequal health outcomes. Long-standing differences in health-care utilization and health outcomes are likely to grow under market reforms. Second, market arrangements promoted the growth of large health-care corporations. Their political power may circumscribe government policy making that could limit health inequalities. Third, market frames are associated with different standards of fairness for assessing the performance of the health-care system. This changes the outcomes seen as inequitable, and hence suitable, for government intervention. Fourth, market schemas have transformed prevailing discourse around important perspectives on health policy, including the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of local communities.
Jennifer Prah Ruger
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199559978
- eISBN:
- 9780191721489
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199559978.003.0005
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
This chapter provides a workable operationalization of health capabilities, and seeks a shared standard of health based on the demands of social justice and the right to health in terms of health ...
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This chapter provides a workable operationalization of health capabilities, and seeks a shared standard of health based on the demands of social justice and the right to health in terms of health equity. The health capability paradigm offers a trans‐positional conception of health that reflects the ‘view from everywhere’. This chapter delineates the relationship between health capabilities, health functionings, health needs and health agency, introducing shortfall in equality —— deviations of individuals or groups from a standard —— as a means for judging public policies affecting health. It emphasizes that although many factors influence health, health policy is one of the most important determinants; thus there is need for efficiency in health policy, and for joint clinical and economic solutions to achieve optimal levels of health and reduce inequalities in individuals' capabilities to be healthy. It argues for a differential allocation of resources to mitigate shortfall inequality. It critically analyzes the ethics of the social determinants of health and surveys and responds to criticisms of the capability approach.Less
This chapter provides a workable operationalization of health capabilities, and seeks a shared standard of health based on the demands of social justice and the right to health in terms of health equity. The health capability paradigm offers a trans‐positional conception of health that reflects the ‘view from everywhere’. This chapter delineates the relationship between health capabilities, health functionings, health needs and health agency, introducing shortfall in equality —— deviations of individuals or groups from a standard —— as a means for judging public policies affecting health. It emphasizes that although many factors influence health, health policy is one of the most important determinants; thus there is need for efficiency in health policy, and for joint clinical and economic solutions to achieve optimal levels of health and reduce inequalities in individuals' capabilities to be healthy. It argues for a differential allocation of resources to mitigate shortfall inequality. It critically analyzes the ethics of the social determinants of health and surveys and responds to criticisms of the capability approach.
Richard Smith, Chantal Blouin, Nick Drager, and David P. Fidler
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199235216
- eISBN:
- 9780191715624
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199235216.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Services of many kinds play important roles in the protection of public health and the delivery of health care to individuals. The GATS affects health-related services in many ways for health ...
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Services of many kinds play important roles in the protection of public health and the delivery of health care to individuals. The GATS affects health-related services in many ways for health policymakers. In addition, the GATS establishes a process designed to liberalize progressively trade in services, and health policymakers must be prepared to participate in this process to ensure that such liberalization unfolds in a way sensitive to the needs of national governments. Any liberalization should aim to produce better quality, affordable, and effective health-related services. It should also ensure the necessary policy and regulatory space that governments require to promote and protect health needs. The GATS creates health opportunities and challenges, especially for developing countries. Countries are encouraged to embed the following health-policy principles: liberalized trade in health-related services should lead to an optimal balance between preventive and curative services; involvement of both private industry and civil society is important to promote participatory health policy towards achieving national goals; it is necessary to improve access and affordability of health-related services; developing countries, especially least-developed countries, deserve special consideration in liberalizing trade in health-related services. Health status as a human right should inform proposals to liberalize trade in health-related services. In an addendum to this chapter, it is noted that the GATS is unlikely to have a direct effect on the health of poor people because the health services they receive are not the ones being liberalized. But the GATS could have an indirect, beneficial effect if it helps countries break out of the trap of capture of the health budget by the rich and the health-service providers, releasing resources for improving the health of the poor.Less
Services of many kinds play important roles in the protection of public health and the delivery of health care to individuals. The GATS affects health-related services in many ways for health policymakers. In addition, the GATS establishes a process designed to liberalize progressively trade in services, and health policymakers must be prepared to participate in this process to ensure that such liberalization unfolds in a way sensitive to the needs of national governments. Any liberalization should aim to produce better quality, affordable, and effective health-related services. It should also ensure the necessary policy and regulatory space that governments require to promote and protect health needs. The GATS creates health opportunities and challenges, especially for developing countries. Countries are encouraged to embed the following health-policy principles: liberalized trade in health-related services should lead to an optimal balance between preventive and curative services; involvement of both private industry and civil society is important to promote participatory health policy towards achieving national goals; it is necessary to improve access and affordability of health-related services; developing countries, especially least-developed countries, deserve special consideration in liberalizing trade in health-related services. Health status as a human right should inform proposals to liberalize trade in health-related services. In an addendum to this chapter, it is noted that the GATS is unlikely to have a direct effect on the health of poor people because the health services they receive are not the ones being liberalized. But the GATS could have an indirect, beneficial effect if it helps countries break out of the trap of capture of the health budget by the rich and the health-service providers, releasing resources for improving the health of the poor.
Andrew Green
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199238934
- eISBN:
- 9780191716621
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238934.003.09
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter discusses some of the key policy issues related to health systems that public health managers face. This is important both in terms of understanding the ‘bigger picture’ and in seeing ...
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This chapter discusses some of the key policy issues related to health systems that public health managers face. This is important both in terms of understanding the ‘bigger picture’ and in seeing how they can get involved in influencing them. Having given this broad overview of global policies, the chapter then looks at what is meant by a health system and what are its key elements.Less
This chapter discusses some of the key policy issues related to health systems that public health managers face. This is important both in terms of understanding the ‘bigger picture’ and in seeing how they can get involved in influencing them. Having given this broad overview of global policies, the chapter then looks at what is meant by a health system and what are its key elements.
