Oxford Handbook of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation, 2/e
by Drew Provan
By
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Number Of Pages: 838 Publication Date: 2005-11-18 Sales Rank: 847502 ISBN / ASIN: 0198566638 EAN: 9780198566632 Binding: Paperback Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA Studio: Oxford University Press, USA Average Rating: 5 Total Reviews: 1
Book Description: Modern medicine is highly complex and investigations are a key part of the diagnostic process. With major advances in technology there are thousands of clinical and laboratory tests available. This book provides a patient-oriented approach to investigation (first part of book) where key symptoms and signs are described along with tests that may be of value in reaching a diagnosis. The remainder of the book is specialty-centred and provides a comprehensive review of all available tests within a given subject. The book emphasises which tests are of value, when tests are not likely to be helpful, along with pitfalls in the interpretation of results. The aim is of the book is to provide a more rational method of investigation and prevent over-investigation which is expensive for the hospital and unpleasant for the patient. The contributors are all active clinicians
who are engaged in medical practice, so appreciate the problems faced by junior doctors. The book should also be of value to senior medical students who will be facing finals examinations, and who will soon be on the wards and responsible for ordering tests on their patients. Review: A refreshing draught of pragmatic medicine This is a truly excellent book. So often, medical authors are intent on impressing their readership with their knowledge of obscure minutae (a detailed knowledge of genetics and/or immunology seems to be key to a bright future in academic medicine at the moment, with public health and prevention appearing to be considered rather low brow !). This state of affairs rarely helps the clinician or laboratory doctor toiling away at the coal face, trying to do the right thing for the patient without ending up in medico-legal hot water ! This book doesn't do this. Instead, it provides the reader with useful insights into the rational practice of medicine, in particular endorsing the tremendous value of lateral thinking in medicine. The section on Infection and Tropical Medicine is particularly valuable. Apart from man himself, the biggest challenge to our species remains infection, the only new diseases that will come along will be infectious in nature, the general public remain fascinated and frightened by infections (just look at the impact of SARS in 2003 !), and many infections are treatable and/or preventable if only we can get round to considering the possibility that the patient might have them !. Indeed, a patient's best interests remain best served by their doctor retaining a supicious mind ! This chapter makes this abundantly clear. The other sections are also excellent, especially the wonderful opening chapter on symptoms and signs. I would not only recommend medical students and junior doctors read this book - many senior clinicians and medical academics would have their personal and professional horizons usefully broadened by their thumbing through this first rate effort. I look forward to the second edition.
