Health and Illness in the Community

In line with major changes in medical education over the last decade, 'Community-based Medicine' stresses the importance of the community and health of the population which play an integral part in becoming a good doctor. Through the use of case histories, summary panels, bullet lists the book looks at the context within which illness is experienced, health is sought and medicine is practiced. It explains to the readerhow the determinants of health and illness are much wider than the influence of medicine, or indeed healthcare. It is generally recognised that the effectiveness of clinical decisions made for each patient is increased if the doctor takes account of the patient's family and community setting. Equally the impact of these decisions is mediated through the environment, economic and political conditions of the day. This concise multi-disciplinary textbook for medical students takes a practical approach to the subject, integrating the subjects that are being taught within the community. Taking health and normality as a starting point, the book considers the environmental and social factors which influence the health of a community, discussing the nature, distribution and determinants of illness. Students need a solid understanding of medicine in the community encompassing elements of public health, general practice, child health, geriatrics, mental health, psychology and sociology and this book provides the material required. OXFORD CORE TEXTSThe Oxford Core Text series provides concise, yet comprehensive coverage of a range of essential topics in the medical curriculum. Written and tested in concultation with students, each book offers a clear and accessible account of the core material, supported by many case studies, learning aids and clinical examples. All titles include the key information which the reader will need to prepare for successful clinical practice - making these texts ideal for all stages of the medical curriculum and beyond.