Open University Professor Monica Dowling looks at the effects of globalisation and the differences between 'qualitative' and 'quantitative' research and information in adoption.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is an extremely debilitating disease. For the sufferer, everyday activities become impossible - from walking to the shops, to cleaning their teeth - because they can't get enough oxygen into their lungs. The 4 video tracks on this album look at the possible causes of COPD, how it is diagnosed, and the inspirational stories of people dealing with the disease. This material forms part of The Open University course SDK125, Introducing health sciences: a case study approach

These six managers, from frontline roles across health and social care in the UK, are real people in real roles. By sharing their experiences through short videos, they help to bring alive the ideas studied in the course and help you to explore how they might play out in real-life situations.
This material forms part of The Open University course K313 Leadership and management in health and social care.

Issues surrounding care and welfare affect people in many different ways - it may depend on individual circumstances or on the location and nature of the community. The tracks on this album look at welfare issues faced by different communities across the UK, focusing mainly on care of the elderly, and people with physical or mental disabilities. The album also explores how care and welfare in the community has changed over the years. This material was part of The Open University course K202 Care, welfare and community.

This album tackles the complex relationships social workers experience in the wide spectrum of their work, from those with families affected by social deprivation to those with judges, lawyers and other members of the legal system. The tracks analyse the role of the family in Scottish life in relation to the many voluntary bodies that exist to assist and inform them, and the legal obligations of social workers. Participants from single mothers to solicitors presented their perspectives in a series of frank, informative interviews.

This material forms part of The Open University course K207 The law and social work in Scotland.

What causes mental distress and what can be done about it? What factors in the external environment affect mental health? This album examines the ways in which social, environmental, economic and political factors shape and constrain our understandings and experiences of mental health and distress. It explores the wide range of diverse and frequently competing perspectives that characterise the world of mental health and looks at the impact of these perspectives on mental health practice and service provision. In a set of academic perspectives, Jonathan Leach of The Open University's School of Health and Social Welfare explains why the case studies were selected, and how they fit in with the aims of the course. He also describes how he became involved in the field of mental health education.

This material forms part of The Open University course K225 Diverse perspectives on mental health.

Health, and the health of others, are concerns that impact us all. This album explores notions of health and happiness in relation to the lifestyles people lead and the services and support available to them. The range of information is eclectic and illuminating, offering a rare insight into societal niches from the participants themselves. From health workers to the homeless, this series of interviews and discussions emphasises the relationship between how people live their lives and the decisions they make to stay healthy. This material forms part of The Open University course KYN275 Reflecting on whole lives - diverse perspectives on health and illness.

Most women share a common fear - breast cancer. From the age of 53, they are invited by their GP to have a mammogram - a procedure that screens the breast for any abnormalities. But many women don't understand what this involves. The 3 video tracks on this album explain why it is important to have a mammogram, hear from women being screened, show the processes involved and demonstrate what happens should an abnormality be found.

This material forms part of The Open University course SDK125 Introducing health sciences: a case study approach.

People throughout the community are affected by social issues, and it is the job of social workers to ensure that they are getting the best care, help and support that they need. The 16 tracks on this album look at numerous circumstances within the community - from the different ways of schooling young people with visual impairment, to fuel poverty, homelessness and the charity Mencap. The material forms part of The Open University course K202 Care, welfare and community.