First published in 1998. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the application of economics to the health care sector. Increasingly, attention is being given to the role of health economics for nurses, as efficient and cost-effective use of resources is seen to be necessary for the provision of a high-quality nursing service. Moreover, as the number of nursing degrees and diplomas increases, the incorporation of formal tuition in health economics and related issues in the training of nurses is becoming more common. This book is specifically designed for and aimed at nurses and will provide a foundation upon which teaching of the economic concepts relevant to the National Health Service in general and the nursing profession in particular can be based.