Reviewer: Carole A. Kenner, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP, ANEF (The College of New Jersey)Description: This is the fifth edition of a book that presents health policy from a political science perspective. It covers basic policy-making processes, how changes in presidential and congressional makeup shape policy, and examples of how policy influencers impact the policy process. The last edition was published in 2012.Purpose: The book aims to present health policy from a political science perspective to demonstrate that many factors shape policy including partisanship and political power wielded by individuals and institutions. These are worthy objectives are met with the clear exemplars that illustrate the authors' points of view.Audience: The audience is not clearly delineated by the authors but notes on the back cover indicate that health professionals should be the primary audience. This book is appropriate for students and faculty interested in health policy and public policy, those involved in policymaking, and health professionals in practice and education and their students.Features: The governance process and elements that influence health policy are presented. The writing style makes it easy to understand complex issues. The book thoroughly explains congressional committees, use of executive orders, the role the President plays in agenda setting, the role of special interest groups in policy, regulatory factors, and the role of state governments in health policy, including the major differences in how states set their health agendas. Charts are used to illustrate key points. Real examples help readers understand shifts in policy depending upon the political party in power and societal values of the time.Assessment: Many books address health policy but this one is unique as it is now in its fifth edition and is one of the only books that comes from a political science perspective. It is very easy to read and understand. This edition is needed to address the significant changes that have occurred under the current administration. The ACA, redistricting, use of executive orders, campaign financing including PACs, the use of social media, and the press's role in politics represent the current backdrop for U.S. policymaking, making this a most relevant, up-to-date book.
One of the most important books in health care policy to have been written in years. It demonstrates that institutions and politics do matter. Governing Health is stimulating, thoughtful, and well written. It is highly recommended for all those who teach and study health care policy.—Perspectives on Political Science Governing Health also brings together and systematically organizes many of the political scientists' most relevant concepts, typologies, and maxims—which add perspective and are useful for their interpretive power.—Inquiry New England Journal of Medicine Journal of the American Medical Association Journal of Health Politics, Policy, and Law Choice
Even for those who have studied health policy extensively, the Weisserts' book is so thorough (and absorbing) that one can expect to encounter new information, research findings, and insights.
Journal of Health Politics
For those unacquainted with the health policy process, this book is valuable for its comprehensive view of the policy process and its up-to-date information about the major institutions and policy actors . . . This book probably will be most useful to the health professional seeking to learn more, both generally and in particular, about the politics of health policy. Governing Health also brings together and systematically organizes many of the political scientists' most relevant concepts, typologies, and maxims—which add perspective and are useful for their interpretive power.
A useful textbook for those in medical care with only a passing knowledge of the patterns of federal policy making in the postwar period.
New England Journal of Medicine
No other book offers a better overview of what every health professional or anyone who is intensely interested in health affairs should know about policymaking.
Journal of the American Medical Association
This book could prove useful for those interested in the process and contributing factors of health policy formation such as scholars and professionals in the fields of governance, medicine, and public health.
Communication Booknotes Quarterly
One of the most important books in health care policy to have been written in years. It demonstrates that institutions and politics do matter. Governing Health is stimulating, thoughtful, and well written. It is highly recommended for all those who teach and study health care policy.
Perspectives on Political Science
