In today's world of scare resources, determining the optimal allocation of funds to preventive health care interventions (PHIs) is a challenge. The upfront investments needed must be viewed as long term projects, the benefits of which we will experience in the future. The long term positive change to PHIs from economic investment can be seen across multiple sectors such as health care, education, employment and beyond. Applied Health Economics for Public Health Practice and Research is the fifth in the series of Handbooks in Health Economic Evaluation. It presents new research on health economics methodology and application to the evaluation of public health interventions. Looking at traditional as well as novel methods of economic evaluation, the book covers the history of economics of public health and the economic rationale for government investment in prevention. In addition, it looks at principles of health economics, evidence synthesis, key methods of economic evaluation with accompanying case studies, and much more. Looking to the future, Applied Health Economics for Public Health Practice and Research presents priorities for research in the field of public health economics. It acknowledges the role played by natural environment in promoting better health, and the place of genetics, environment and socioeconomic status in determining population health. Ideal for health economists, public health researchers, local government workers, health care professionals, and those responsible for health policy development. Applied Health Economics for Public Health Practice and Research is an important contribution to the economic discussion of public health and resource allocation.

Qualitative methods are increasingly used within health economics research, but there is almost no specific material to guide the use of these methods in this context; there is very little that links them to the specific questions that (health) economists ask or that provides guidance on analyzing from an ‘economic’ or ‘resource-focused’ perspective. Whilst the main themes within the book will look very similar to those in many other texts on qualitative research methods, they will: Apply the concepts familiar from qualitative methods to health economics issues in a way that is meaningful in this specific context; Work within an economic analytical approach where the analytic focus is on issues around scarcity and resource allocation; Incorporate examples that are relevant to health economists grappling with resource allocation problems in health care.

The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Methods in Health Research is a comprehensive and authoritative source on qualitative research methods. The Handbook compiles accessible yet vigorous academic contributions by respected academics from the fast-growing field of qualitative methods in health research and consists of: - A series of case studies in the ways in which qualitative methods have contributed to the development of thinking in fields relevant to policy and practice in health care. - A section examining the main theoretical sources drawn on by qualitative researchers. - A section on specific techniques for the collection of data. - A section exploring issues relevant to the strategic place of qualitative research in health care environments. The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Methods in Health Research is an invaluable source of reference for all students, researchers and practitioners with a background in the health professions or health sciences.

'The new edition of Green and Thorogood's Qualitative Methods for Health Research presents a great choice for professors teaching courses across the health care spectrum due to its authors' ability to give students a diverse buffet designed to whet appetites and increase hunger for more qualitative research nourishment' - The Weekly Qualitative Report Suitable for researchers and students in the fields of public health, health services research, nursing and health promotion, Qualitative Methods for Health Research provides a thorough and practical introduction to designing, conducting and appraising qualitative research. Qualitative Methods for Health Research is full of easy-to-follow guidance on how to apply core research skills to health research. Drawing on over twenty years experience of teaching methodology, Green and Thorogood cover the essentials of the theory and principles of applied research in an accessible way. Using examples from a range of settings, this book introduces readers to the key debates in qualitative methodology; issues in designing ethical, feasible and rigorous projects; the main ways of collecting and analysing qualitative data and ways of appraising and writing qualitative research. This new, Second Edition covers developments in systematic reviews of qualitative research and analysis, and includes a chapter focusing on practical issues of qualitative work within applied health research programmes. Key features include: - Case studies - Chapter summaries and key points - Glossary Qualitative Methods for Health Research is an invaluable introduction for both health professionals and students with little prior knowledge of social theory. Judith Green is a Reader in Sociology of Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Nicki Thorogood is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

This second edition has been revised and updated to reflect key methodological developments in health research. It is a comprehensive, easy to read, guide to the range of methods used to study and evaluate health and health services. It describes the concepts and methods used by the main disciplines involved in health research, including: demography, epidemiology, health economics, psychology and sociology.

'Researching Health' covers the background to conducting health research, qualitative and quantitative methods employed in researching health, contemporary issues such as research ethics, comparative research and the use of mixed methods, and how to disseminate health research.

Designed to meet the needs of public health students, practitioners, and researchers, this edition offers a firm grounding in qualitative and mixed methods, including their social science roots and public health applications.