Integration of Palliative Care in Chronic Conditions: An Interdisciplinary Approach

ISBN: 9781935864899
ISBN-10: 1935864890
Copyright: 2017
Edition: 1st
Editor: Kuebler, Kim
Doody's Expert Review    Score: 90
Reviewer: Pat Trethewey,  DNP, FNP-BC  (Heartland Hospice)
Description
This excellent book on the multifaceted care of patients with multiple comorbid conditions is the tool those in practice will want to keep close by.
Purpose
Healthcare's dramatic and rapid change has brought about the need for effective and knowledgeable care from all members of the interdisciplinary team. The goal of meeting this need has been effectively accomplished in this vital book.
Audience
The audience includes practitioners, residents, or physicians, although any member of the team could easily access information applicable for their particular practice level. The author expertise is evident with the broad and diverse contributors.
Features
The presentation effectively narrows the subject down to symptoms typically encountered in palliative care. Bullet points consistently identify the topic, pathophysiology, presenting symptoms, physical exam, diagnostics, differential diagnostics, and interventions. I especially liked the case study at the conclusion of each chapter. It would have been helpful to have color illustrations to highlight important points.
Assessment
In comparison to the multitude of symptom management books, this one is unique in its focused presentation of palliative care. Included with this is the imperative overview of why this is pertinent to healthcare with discussion of the Affordable Care Act, research focus, health policy, and pharmacology aspects impacting treatment management. All this information, along with specific symptom management, results in a book that you won't want to be without.
Review Questionnaire
Range Question Score
1-10 Are the author's objectives met? 10
1-10 Rate the worthiness of those objectives. 10
1-5 Is this written at an appropriate level? 5
1-5 Is there significant duplication? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5
1-5 Are there significant omissions? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5
1-5 Rate the authority of the authors. 5
1-5 Are there sufficient illustrations? 3
1-5 Rate the pedagogic value of the illustrations. 3
1-5 Rate the print quality of the illustrations. 4
1-5 Are there sufficient references? 5
1-5 Rate the currency of the references. 4
1-5 Rate the pertinence of the references. 4
1-5 Rate the helpfulness of the index. 5
1-5 If important in this specialty, rate the physical appearance of the book 3
1-10 Is this a worthwhile contribution to the field? 10
1-10 If this is a 2nd or later edition, is this new edition needed? N/A