How can society most effectively prevent disease and promote health? That is the challenge addressed by this textbook. Public health is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society. The 'science' is concerned with making a diagnosis of a population's health problems, establishing their cause and determining effective interventions. The 'art' lies in creatively addressing these problems. Essential Public Health captures both the art and science of the field. This second edition has been fully updated with contemporary examples and includes new chapters on sustainability and change, management and leadership. Examples are taken from health systems throughout the world, giving readers a wider perspective of the challenges faced. This is essential reading for all trainees in health care, social care and related disciplines. An internet companion includes supplementary information and interactive, self-assessment questions to test understanding and aid learning.

Features
Theory is underpinned with practical examples to show what public health specialists aim to achieve in practice
An internet companion featuring self-assessment questions allows readers to test their understanding of key topics
Written for a multidisciplinary audience
Table of Contents
Introduction Stephen Gillam
Part I. The Public Health Toolkit:

1. Management, leadership and change Stephen Gillam and Jan Yates
2. Demography Padmanabhan Badrinath and Stephen Gillam
3. Epidemiology Padmanabhan Badrinath and Stephen Gillam
4. The health status of the population Padmanabhan Badrinath and Jan Yates
5. Evidence-based health care Padmanabhan Badrinath and Stephen Gillam
6. Health needs assessment Stephen Gillam, Jan Yates and Padmanabhan Badrinath
7. Decision making in the health care sector the role of public health Jan Yates and Stephen Gillam
8. Improving population health Stephen Gillam and Jan Yates
9. Screening Jan Yates and Stephen Gillam
10. Health protection and communicable disease control Jan Yates and Padmanabhan Badrinath
11. Improving quality of care Nicholas Steel and Stephen Gillam
Part II. Contexts for Public Health Practice: Introduction

12. The health of children and young people Kirsteen L. Macleod, Rachel Crowther and Sarah Stewart-Brown
13. Adult public heath Veena Rodrigues
14. Public health and ageing Lincoln Sargeant and Carol Brayne
15. Health inequalities and public health practice Chrissie Pickin and Jennie Popay
16. Health policy Richard Lewis and Stephen Gillam
17. International development and public health Jenny Amery
18. Sustainable development the opportunities and the challenges for the public's health David Pencheon