Introduction To Health Economics 2nd Ed.

Description: "This book would be an excellent choice for anyone wishing to be introduced to the field of health economics -- it is undoubtedly the best 'Health Economics 101' textbook around." Professor Di McIntyre, South African Research Chair of Health and Wealth, Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town "There are several books on the market now that claim to take readers into the intricacies of health economics 'from first principles'. To me, this book succeeds better than any." Gavin Mooney, Honorary Professor, University of Sydney and University of Cape Town; Visiting Professor, Aarhus University, the University of New South Wales and the University of Southern Denmark This practical text offers the ideal introduction to the economic techniques used in public health and is accessible enough for those who have no or limited knowledge of economics. Written in a user-friendly manner, the book covers key economic principles, such as supply and demand, healthcare markets, healthcare finance and economic evaluation. The book has been thoroughly updated with new material reflecting important recent developments and policy shifts such as the rise of performance based funding in health care, the impact and cost of achieving universal health care and the growing effect of globalization and international trade on the health sector. This engaging new edition features: Extensive use of global examples from low, middle and high income countries, real case studies and exercises to facilitate the understanding of economic concepts A greater emphasis on the practical application of economic theories and concepts to the formulation of health policy New chapters on macroeconomics, globalization and health and provider payments Extensively revised chapters on demand and supply, markets and economic evaluation Introduction to Health Economics 2nd edition is the ideal companion text for students, public health practitioners, policy makers, managers and researchers looking for a greater understanding of health economics principles.

Contents: Acknowledgements Introduction Section 1: Economics and Health Economics Key concepts in health economics Macroeconomics, globalization and health Section 2: Demand and Supply A simple model of demand Measuring demand Supply: Production in the long and short run Supply: Costs, economics of scale and the supply curve Section 3: Markets A simple market model Health care markets and efficiency Section 4: Health Care Financing The changing world of health care finance Provider payments Private health insurance Achieving universal coverage Section 5: Economic Evaluation What is economic evaluation and what questions can it help to answer? Counting the costs Identifying, measuring and valuing consequences Economic evaluation and decision-making Section 6: Equity and the Role of Government Promoting equity and the role of government Glossary

Author Biography: Lorna Guinness is a lecturer at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK and Visiting Research Fellow at the Australian National University, Australia. Virginia Wiseman is a senior lecturer at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.