Main description:

This edited collection focuses on the global growth of privatisation and private sector medicine in both developed and lesser developed countries, and the impact of this on patients, health workers, managers and policy-makers. Drawing upon sociological theories, concepts and insights, as well as experts from several countries with extensive experience in researching the field either nationally or internationally, the collection offers a unique perspective on healthcare services and healthcare systems: a view from those trying to access healthcare services, working inside health systems, or responsible for managing and organising services. Collectively, the chapters contribute an international perspective on the navigation of healthcare systems, and addresses the growing salience of 'choice' between public and private medicine in a variety of different national systems and contexts.

Contents:

Introduction.- PART ONE: ABOUT THE SYSTEM-UNIVERSALISM AND PRIVATISATION.- Chapter One. Universalism in Healthcare and Social Citizenship in Chile, Uruguay and Costa Rica.- Chapter Two. Privatisation and Marketisation within a Healthcare System: The Swedish Experience.- PART TWO: THE INSTITUTIONS OF HEALTH.- Chapter Three. 'Looking Outside Their Walls': Exploring Community Health in Chicago Hospitals.- Chapter Four. Contracting-out Care: Nursing Homes in Canada.- PART THREE: GATEKEEPERS IN THE SYSTEM.- Chapter Five. Gatekeepers in a Mixed Private/Public System.- Chapter Six. Creeping Privatisation? Examining Procurement Choices in the 'New' NHS in England.- PART FOUR: THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.- Chapter Seven. Safeguarding Through Work Arounds: Socio-materiality and the Organising of Care in a Private Hospital.- Chapter Eight. Reducing Healthcare Costs in Portugal: Outcomes and Implications for Public and Private Medicine.- Chapter Nine. Promoting Health as a Form of Capital: The Transformation of the Danish Healthcare Field as Experienced By Private Healthcare Professionals.- PART FIVE: PATIENTS, CONSUMERS AND CITIZENS.- Chapter Ten. The Imperative of Choice in Australian Healthcare.- Chapter Eleven. The Marketisation of Aged Care: The Impact of Aged Care Reform in Australia.- CONCLUSION.- Chapter Twelve. Navigating Private and Public Healthcare.