Priority Setting and the Public

Health resources are becoming increasingly constrained. So it is essential that professionals, and the public, recognise the need to work together in establishing local priorities and collaborate in their implementation. Priority Setting and The Public challenges many widely accepted beliefs and perceptions. It links together academic literature, critical overviews of methods and approaches with practical applications and original research. It shows the different approaches to engaging the public, challenges and how progress can be achieved. A wide number of methods, from a range of disciplines are described, reviewed and guidance is given on factors to consider for selection. This book is essential reading for all health service and primary care organisations, especially those responsible for resource allocation, clinical governance and public health.

Practical and evidence-based, this unique book is the first comprehensive text focused on person-centered approaches to people with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It reflects a range of views and findings regarding assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, self-help, policy-making, education and research. It is highly recommended for all healthcare professionals, students, researchers and educators involved in general practice, psychiatry, nursing, social work, clinical psychology and therapy. Healthcare service providers, and policy makers and shapers, will find the book's wide-ranging, multi-professional approach enlightening. 'Serious Mental Illness reflects a continued distancing from the outmoded and unsubstantiated belief that people with severe mental illnesses could not recover, and that they would respond positively only to goals and treatment plans chosen, designed and implemented by providers in order to prevent their further deterioration. Anyone with an interest in the concept of person-centered approaches will discover new ideas in this book. Indeed, anyone with an interest in person-centered approaches has to read this book. Not only is it the first such book on person-centered approaches, but it will serve as the gold standard in this topic area for years to come.' William A Anthony, in the Foreword