The text provides an overview of the Australian Health Care System at a level suitable for 1st year undergraduate students. It describes the 'architecture' of the system and its key components (public hospital sector, private hospital and health insurance, GPs and primary care, community health, public health), some of the things that shape the system and introduces key concepts that underpin it such as the idea of the welfare state or a universal health system.

A updated overview of Australia’s health care system, addressing its core features, concepts and issues Understanding the Australian Health Care System, 2nd edition is an excellent university book for undergraduate and postgraduate students alike. Published four years after the original, this second edition has been fully revised to reflect major Australian health care reform. Its fully up-to-date content includes current governmental and legislative changes impacting Australia’s health care system. Other topics addressed include quality and safety within the system, health insurance in Australia – both public and private – the PBS and integrated medicine. This outstanding medical book delves deeply into the system’s theoretical framework, structure and organisation and includes comparisons with the US and UK health care systems. This new edition of Understanding the Australian Health Care System will be a valuable reference for those studying health science, health promotion, sports and exercise science, physiotherapy, human services, nursing, midwifery, medicine, paramedicine, health system management, medical radiations science and health informatics. Online student and instructor resources Stronger focus on social determinants throughout text Addresses a wide range of health professions – now including disability professionals and social workers Current theoretical framework for healthcare reform (Tuohy 2009) Stronger focus on social determinants throughout text Addresses current position on national registration Features an excellent ancillary package on Elsevier’s Evolve platform Includes three new chapters addressing: disability professionals; quality and safety; and social work Reflects major health care reform in Australia (COAG 2009) Discusses current theoretical framework for healthcare reform (Tuohy 2009) New contributors

Understanding the Australian Health Care System 4e is the essential guide to the complexities of health care in Australia. Key theoretical concepts and current issues along with the structures and policies influencing health care professionals are explored by leading experts led by authors, Eileen Willis, Louise Reynolds and Trudy Rudge. The text is divided into two sections. The first is about the multiple systems, services and schemes that make up health care in Australia. The second explores the roles of fifteen health professions working within the current system, with a focus on key themes of interprofessional practice, chronic illness, and quality and safety. Additional resources on Evolve eBook on VitalSource Student and Instructor Resources on Evolve - Video interviews with practitioners and thought leaders - Discipline-specific case studies - Multiple choice questions Instructor Resources on Evolve - PowerPoint presentations - Tutorial planner - Test banks - Content now presented in two sections - A new chapter on digital health and the Divide to assist the reader with understanding the impact technology has on the overall health system and individual participants - New Editor, Trudy Rudge, provides a strong nursing perspective - 'Policy insights' per chapter provides the reader with insights into recent policy changes and the impact on individual health professions practice - An eBook is included in all print purchases

The Australian Health Care System 5th edition is a comprehensive and forward-looking overview of the structure and operation of health systems and services in Australia. It analyses how the inputs of Australian health services, such as finances, the health workforce, and the roles of state and federal government influence the outcomes, which range from consumer confidence to policy changes. Written with an emphasis on policy and economic issues, the book provides an extensive overview of the interactions between consumers and providers of health care in Australia. It includes in depth examination of major developments including the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme; the establishment of Local Health Networks, Medicare Locals and Primary Health Networks; the Abbott Governmentas proposed health system changes; and the redesign of the aged care system