Against health

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Steven S. Coughlin, Tom L. Beauchamp

"Written by epidemiologists, ethicists and legal scholars, this book provides an in-depth account of the moral problems that often confront epidemiologists, including both theoretical and practical issues. An excellent introduction explores the theoretical and practical problems while leading issues are examined in later chapters with up-to-date and solid analysis. The topics covered include informed consent, privacy and confidentiality protection, the balancing of risks and benefits, ethical issues in the study of vulnerable populations, the institutional review board system, and professional education. All articles in the volume are original, and each include detailed references and an extensive bibliography. Epidemiologists, public health researchers, bioethicists, and health policy-makers will value the insight this book provides into the ethical dilemmas faced in epidemiologic research."--Publisher description (LoC).

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Edward M. Spencer ... [et al

"This book begins by assessing the shortcomings of clinical ethics, business ethics, and professional ethics as a basis for solving problems that have emerged in health care delivery systems since the advent of managed care. Then the authors consider the meaning of the development of the HCO in our society as well as its present status. Finally, they describe the key elements for the successful implementation of a fully functioning health care organization ethics program and what it can mean to the patients and the community."--Jacket.

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Nicholas J. Fox

Postmodernism and post-structuralism challenge fundamental positions in social theory. This book sets out of the components of a postmodern social theory of health and healing, deriving from theorists such as Derrida, Deleuze and Guattari, Foucault, Cixous and Kristeva. The body of the patient is inscribed by discourses of professional "care" as well as by pain and suffering. Rejecting simple determinism, the author explores the character of this power - and how it may be, and is, resisted. The book illustrates with detailed examples how the organization of health care and the caring relationship itself are sites for this contest of power. Elements of feminist theory, and Derridean concepts of differance and intertextuality supply the framework for the politics and ethics of the postmodern position on health. Deleuze and Guattari's radical challenge to psychoanalysis and familial repetitions within the healer/patient contact allows a re-reading of central ideas in medical sociology. While focusing on the possibilities of postmodern social theory, the book demands a re-appraisal of issues of structure, identity and knowledge in modernist medical sociology. Modernist sociology - it suggests - has been complicit in the creation of "the patient" and of "health" and "illness". Written with an emphasis on accessibility, the book explores the practical consequences of postmodern theory as well as familiarizing the reader with the concepts of postmodernism.

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James R. Thobaben

Thobaben guides us into the realm of ethical discernment and decision-making by grasping the interconnections between health care in its various dimensions with the whole of true Christian living. If you are a student or pastor, or serving in the health-care professions, this monumental resource is for you.