NEW BOOKS> 21ST century health-care, Cost-effectiveness, Complexity

Dennard, L. F., Richardson, K. A., & Morçöl, G. (2008). Complexity and policy analysis : tools and concepts for designing robust policies in a complex world.  Goodyear, AZ: ISCE Pub.
Call Number: H97 C654 2008.
(From the publisher) It is well known and acknowledged that public policies are inherently complex. But the implications of complexity theory (or complex adaptive systems theory) for policy analysis have not been explored fully. The authors of this volume offer perspectives and methodological tools to fill this gap. Among the questions explored in the volume are, does complexity theory offer a 'new science', an alternative way of thinking to the pervasive rationalism of the mainstream policy analysis, or is it merely a novel analytical tool kit? Does the theory suggest a new way of knowing-and consequently solving-complex public policy problems, for example? How does the theory conceptualize complexity, and is this different from common understandings of the term? What should be the involvement of policy analysts in the process of change from the perspective of complexity theory? Does the theory support or suggest a complexity ethics? The authors of the book also illustrate how agent-based models, the most commonly applied tool of complexity theorists, can be used in policy analysis, as well as creatively applying other methods such as Q-methodology and qualitative case study in understanding complex social problems.

Muennig, P. (2007). Cost-effectiveness analysis in health. (2nd ed.). San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass ; Chichester : John Wiley [distributor], YBP Library Services (YANK).
Call Number: RA410.5 M84 2008
(From the publisher) This second edition of Cost Effectiveness Analysis in Health reviews issues and methods of assessing health care technologies and related programs. It emphasizes methods to perform economic evaluations, such as cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis; methods to assess efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of health care technologies; effectiveness research; and applications to clinical and public policy. The book provides in-depth discussion of the uses and conducting of cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) as decision-making aids in public health, health services, and medicine. It explores cost-effectiveness in the context of societal decision making for resource allocation purposes. Chapter topics include: Defining and explaining cost-effectiveness, principles of cost-effectiveness analysis, how to develop a research project, working with costs, probabilities and models, calculating life expectancy, working with health-related quality of life measures, calculating quality-adjusted life years, conducting a sensitivity analysis, preparing your study for publication, working with data, and finding the data you need.

Kernick, D. (2004). Complexity and healthcare organization: a view from the street.  Oxford ; San Francisco : Radcliffe Medical Press.
Call Number: RA394.9 C66 2004
(From the publisher) Complexity and Healthcare Organization: a view from the street describes the practical applications where complexity theory has been employed within health care organizations. It explores how these insights can help to provide a better understanding of how healthcare organizations operate, as an eco-system rather than along mechanical lines. These insights can offer useful perspectives for further evolution, and by removing existing barriers and facilitating interactions, new cultures can emerge, ensuring that organizations can respond to the changing demands placed on them. All those involved in the planning, management, commissioning and delivery of healthcare will find this book useful and fascinating reading.  TOC: 1. Section 1: Getting to grips with the basics 2. Section 2: The spectrum of how we think about organizations 3. Section 3: Complexity perspectives on healthcare organization 4. Section 4: Facilitating emergence in healthcare organizations 5. Section 5: Going on together in organizations: perspectives on healthcare provision 6. Section 6: Going on together in organizations: perspectives on whole systems 7. Section 7: From theory to action: personal perspectives.

Enthoven, A. C., & 1930- Tollen, L. A. (2004). Toward a 21st century health system : the contributions and promise of prepaid group practice. (1st ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
(From the publisher) Toward a 21st Century Health System is a collection of essays that explore a key element of the health care delivery system -- large multispecialty physician group practices. Edited by policy experts Alain Enthoven and Laura Tollen, and written by a panel of health policy scholars and leaders, this resource addresses a variety of topics, including organized delivery systems, quality of care in prepaid group practice versus other types of managed care, the role of physician leadership and culture in group practice, and prepaid group practice and the formation of national health policy. The book also covers such topics as pharmacy benefit management, technology assessment, health services research, and employer purchasing of benefits, all as they relate to prepaid group practice.