This new resource in the series provides vital perspectives across entire new disease and service areas not previously covered in other volumes. The books of the first and second series are well established as the key sources of data on needs assessment. Together, they describe the central role and aim of health care needs assessment in the National Health Service. The epidemiological approach to needs assessment is explained thoroughly, and is then applied to the effectiveness and availability of services. This definitive guide is ideal for all those involved in commissioning health care. It is invaluable for public health professionals, epidemiology and public health academics, and students of public health and epidemiology. Key reviews of the First Series: “An excellent balanced account…the definitive resource” – “Journal of the Association for Quality in Healthcare”. “Excellent…it should be delved into deeply” – “Pharmaceutical Times”. “This excellent work moves us closer to implementing a market in health care” – “British Medical Journal”.