Nurse

The problem of antimicrobial-resistant organisms and untreatable infections is of global concern. The concept of antimicrobial stewardship has been developing over the last 10 years. The aim of antimicrobial stewardship is to control antimicrobial use in order to reduce the development of resistance, avoid the side effects associated with antimicrobial use, and optimize clinical outcomes. This book provides a very practical approach to antimicrobial stewardship. It’s very much a ‘how to’ guide supported by a review of the available evidence. Section 1 sets the scene and covers the problem of antimicrobial resistance; the problems in the antimicrobial supply line and initiatives to improve the situation; the principles and goals of antimicrobial stewardship; the psychological, social, cultural, and organizational factors in antimicrobial use and prescribing; and how to establish an antimicrobial stewardship programme. Section 2 reviews the components of antimicrobial stewardship: audit and feedback; antimicrobial policies and formularies; antimicrobial restriction; intravenous to oral switch; measuring antimicrobial consumption; measuring and feeding back stewardship; and the use of information technology in antimicrobial stewardship. Section 3 explores special areas in antimicrobial stewardship: antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; intensive care units; paediatrics; surgical prophylaxis; near-patient testing and infection biomarkers; antimicrobial stewardship in the community and long-term care facilities; and finally antimicrobial stewardship in resource-poor communities.Less

This resource takes a critical insider's look at commonly held views about the diagnosis and management of depression, and argues that our belief in depression as a medical condition is based on commercial, professional, organisational and cultural factors, which all combine to sustain the popularity of depression as a concept, which is based more on our values than on science.Less

This online resource details over 30 challenging cases from a wide area of infectious diseases, medical microbiology and virology and includes topics ranging from typhoid fever to secondary syphilis. Each case is supported by the commentary of a renowned expert in the field, allowing readers to improve their own management of these patients. Each case offers 'Clinical Tips', 'Learning Points' and 'Evidence Base' boxes to enhance the learning process along with the 'Expert Commentary', providing an inside track on how the experts approach challenging cases ranging from secondary syphilis to typhoid fever and viral haemorrhagic fever. Less

Providing the inside track on how the experts approach and deal with real-world clinical scenarios, Challenging Concepts in Oncology contains wide-ranging and in-depth reviews of contemporary and often contentious topics in the world of oncology today. With a case-based approach and expert commentary throughout, complex patient presentations are discussed from a multidisciplinary perspective and all the angles necessary for accurate assessment, diagnosis, and management are fully considered and explored. Each case contains 'Clinical Tips', 'Learning Points', 'Expert Comments' and 'Evidence Base' to enhance the learning process and provide easy reference to important supplementary material.Less

Containing detailed summaries on a comprehensive range of clinical scenarios and conditions, and organised according to the different sub-specialities of community paediatrics, this resource is an ideal companion for anyone working with children in the community.Less

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an inherited and progressive muscle wasting disease, is one of the most common single gene disorders found in the developed world. In this fourth edition of the classic monograph on the topic, Alan Emery and Francesco Muntoni are joined by Rosaline Quinlivan, Consultant in Neuromuscular Disorders, to provide a thorough update on all aspects of the disorder. Recent understanding of the nature of the genetic defect responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and isolation of the protein dystrophin has led to the development of new theories for the disease's pathogenesis. This new edition incorporates these advances from the field of molecular biology, and describes the resultant opportunities for screening, prenatal diagnosis, genetic counselling and from recent pioneering work with anti-sense oligonucleotides, the possibility of effective RNA therapy. Although there is still no cure for the disorder, there have been significant developments concerning the gene basis, publication of standards of care guidelines, and improvements in management leading to significantly longer survival, particularly with cardio-pulmonary care. The authors also investigate other forms of pharmacological, cellular and gene therapies.Less

Essentials of Toxicology for Health Protection is ideal as both a course resource for students and a reference for field professionals involved in responding to chemical incidents and local environmental concerns. Produced by Health Protection England, it offers a comprehensive and structured approach to dealing with toxicological problems worldwide. It covers both the basics of toxicology and its application to issues of topical concern such as contaminated land, food additives, and water and air pollution. Each chapter is composed by an expert in the field, making this an essential resource for all professionals in environmental public health, including: health protection consultants, specialists and trainees; public health practitioners; environmental health practitioners; environmental scientists; and staff of the emergency services, the water and waste industries, and other industrial and regulatory bodies.Less

This resource explores the many dimensions of the alleged industrialization of general practice as it has occurred to others in the past, and analyses the origins of the current wave of reform in general practice. It analyses why industrialization is being pursued as a government strategy, and explores its benefits and dangers. It concludes that the medical profession has reasons for being perturbed by industrialization, but that it has advantages as well as disadvantages for the NHS and the public.Less

The role of genetics is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of healthcare and particularly in the field of cancer care. Genetics for Health Professionals in Cancer Care: From Principles to Practice equips health professionals with the knowledge and skills required for all aspects of managing cancer family history. This includes taking an accurate cancer family history and drawing a family tree; understanding cancer biology, basic cancer genetics and the genes involved in hereditary breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, gastric and related gynaecological cancers and rare cancer predisposing syndromes; assessing cancer risk and communicating risk information; early detection and risk reducing measures available for those at increased risk and managing individuals with hereditary cancer. Less

This resource summarizes the most authoritative evidence available on the effects of care practices carried out during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately after birth, and in addition to the details provided, the book concludes with six valuable tables that list the practices which are beneficial, those of unknown effectiveness, and those likely to be ineffective or harmful.Less

This resource traces the history of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in detail along with a commentary of Edward Meryon's research, which has led to our current understanding of the disease, with full references and informative, historically relevant illustrations.Less

The majority of errors, litigation, and complaints in the health service are due to 'human factors', yet the term is still not widely understood and is sometimes used interchangeably to refer to team training or communication skills. Although it includes these, the definition of 'human factor' goes beyond to look at systems, environmental influences, and interactions with equipment, in addition to self-awareness and human interaction. All of these aspects are captured in Human Factors in Healthcare and are built into a new framework: the SHEEP model, which breaks down into five key areas: Systems, Human Interaction, Environment, Equipment, and Personal, providing a structured way to focus on adopting 'safety-positive' behaviours. Through the use of relevant real world healthcare examples and exercises, this resource encourages interaction and thinking, as well as illustrating how mistakes can be avoided. It also sets out ways on how to improve the experience of patients and staff across healthcare, in particular focusing on how to improve patient safety. Less

The Intelligent Clinician's Guide to the DSM-5®, Second Edition reviews the history of diagnosis in psychiatry, emphasizing the limitations for classification of our current lack of knowledge of the causes of most mental disorders. It emphasizes that, in the absence of biomarkers, current categories can only be considered provisional. It takes a critical look at schema for spectra and dimensionalization of diagnosis, examines the borders between normality and psychopathology, and discusses the problem of clinical utility. It features chapters on all the major diagnoses in psychiatry, in which the main problems of diagnosis are addressed, and in which all changes in DSM-5 are described.Less

Learning While Caring is about what the author has learned during his half-century career as a cancer doctor. During this time, medicine has changed greatly. It has become more scientifically based, more institutionally located, and now comprises almost one-fifth of the US economy. Despite these changes, much remains the same, especially the primary obligation of the doctor to the patient. Also during this period, most of the developed world has recognized health care as a right for all its members. This has been resulted in greatly improved care for many, but not for all. For the last 25 years the United States has been experimenting on how this should be achieved, beginning with the proposed but not enacted Clinton Health Security proposal and currently with the Affordable Care Act. While efficiency and cost control are essential, cost cannot be the only parameter of success. Access to high-quality health care must be made available to all. Proper education for an informed public must include an understanding of the general principles of biology, while that of a doctor must result in a familiarity with the humanities and social sciences. An academic physician has three responsibilities: patient care, teaching, and research. These latter two, while essential, must not conflict, compromise, or limit the doctor-patient relationship. This book is about the author’s activities in all three endeavors. Since his specialty is oncology, this is the major subject, but most of the information is applicable to all caring physicians.Less

Packed full of practical and down to earth advice for clinicians specialising in the care of older people, this resource examines real problems that present on a day-to-day basis in the primary care environment. It provides GPs with specific advice and guidance to help them in the management of the often complex conditions that present in older people. Less

This resource offers theoretical and practical guidance for those planning, delivering, and receiving education and training in ever-changing healthcare environments. Themes covered include assessment, professionalism and medical regulation, educational standards, patients' expectations, Continuing Professional Development, leadership and management, the European Working Time Directive, Fitness to Practice, interprofessional learning, the development of the NHS workforce, equality and diversity, and ethical and legal issues.Less

The consultation is 'the central act of medicine': the meeting between the patient and the doctor. The first part of this resource takes the reader from the context of the consultation in society and with the medical profession, to the intimacy of the consulting room, and then delves into its processes, and the second half takes the reader into the practicalities of learning and teaching effective consultations. It is an essential aid for all doctors and their educators to increase the effectiveness of their consultations and to help to make them more patient-centred. It includes theoretical background as well as practical help for both consulters and teachers.Less

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in the last ten years, the condition still poses major clinical challenges. Non-adherence to drug therapy is a widespread problem in patients with rheumatic diseases and osteoporosis in particular. Part of the Oxford Rheumatology Library, this second edition summarizes the latest developments in the management of osteoporosis and includes new chapters covering the clinical role of denosumab and orthopaedic issues in the management of fractures in patients with osteoporosis. This practical pocketbook is an essential resource for trainees and clinicians in rheumatology, endocrinology, and geriatric medicine, as well as general practitioners and paramedical staff involved in osteoporosis care.Less

Oxford Case Histories in Oncology contains 30 well-structured cases from clinical practice, giving a comprehensive coverage of the diagnostic and management dilemmas in oncology. The cases cover a wide spectrum of oncology, including rare presentations and clinical problems of common cancers. Each case comprises a brief clinical history with relevant clinical examination findings. Questions are based on clinical investigations and aspects of management. Detailed answers are based on the best available evidence from the latest research, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and guidelines from national and international academic bodies. This resource is complimented by over 50 illustrations, including radiographic images and radiotherapy treatment plans. Less

Written by biomedical scientists and clinicians to disseminate the fundamental scientific principles that underpin clinical medicine, this second edition of the Oxford Handbook of Medical Sciences provides a clear, easily digestible account of basic cell physiology and biochemistry, and an investigation of the traditional pillars of medicine.Less