- New chapters on workers' compensation systems, oral health and dental services, clinical exercise physiology and pharmacy - Significantly expanded glossary - Up-to-date information on the most recent Australian health reforms - Case studies on all of the major health care professions in Australia, including nurses, midwives, speech pathologists, audiologists, health managers, paramedics, social workers, dietitians, doctors (GPs), occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dentists and oral therapists, exercise physiologists, pharmacists and homeopaths - A suite of video interviews with multidiscipline practitioners and thought leaders exploring aspects of Australian health care, theories and challenges now and for the future.

Climate Change Adaptation for Health and Social Services addresses concerns from the health and community services sector, including local government, about how to respond to climate change and its impacts on communities. What should an intervention framework for the community-based health and social services sector contain and how can it complement an organisation's core values, role and work programs? What current direct and indirect impacts of climate change are most relevant to organisations and the communities they serve? Which population groups are most vulnerable to climate change and what are the impacts on them? Above all, what can be done to reduce the current risks from climate change to clients, communities and organisations? Written by expert researchers and practitioners, this book presents existing research, innovative practice and useful tools to support organisations taking practical steps towards adaptation to the impacts of climate change on people. It examines the evidence of climate change impacts on six of the most vulnerable population groups – people with disability; older people; women and children; Aboriginal people; rural people; and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds – as well as discussing effective interventions. Other key issues covered include health and social impacts of climate change, adaptation, mitigation, climate change communication, organisational adaptation and a case study of innovation illustrating some of the book’s themes. Accessible, informative and incorporating extensive evidence and experience, Climate Change Adaptation for Health and Social Services is relevant for anyone within the health and community services sector concerned about climate change and its impacts on their community.

This report helps policy makers better understand the issues and challenges around geographic variations in health care provision and considers the policy options.

Australia’s health system functions remarkably well, despite operating under a complex set of institutions that make coordinating patient care difficult. Australia should adopt a national approach through an enhanced federal government role in steering policy, funding and priority setting.

This book is a comprehensive resource that provides a new perspective on the influence of social structures on health.