Weighing the Evidence How is Birthweight Determined?

Rationalization is concerned with making the most effective use of the resources available. In many places where this process is taking place it is plagued with public opposition and misunderstanding. Hitherto rationalization in the acute care sector has primarily been concerned with closing sites closing beds moving beds between services and moving beds from one site to another. This book discusses the need for rationalization in the context of health service reforms and future strategy. It considers recent changes in the health service the case for rationalization health care needs the role of public relations the future of the acute care hospital site and facilities appraisal and the costs of rationalization. The text is essential reading for managers and clinicians involved in acute care services non-executive members of boards and trusts and students of health services management.

The importance of birthweight. Birthweight and health in childhood. Birthweight and health in adulthood. The public health importance of birthweight. The determinants of birthweight. Biomedical determinants of birthweight. Making sense of the evidence: modelling biopsychosocial pathways to birthweight. Implications for promotion of optional birthweight, research and policy. Approaches to promoting optimal birthweight. Implications of the biopsychosocial model for research, clinical practice and health policy.