Book club: your reviews

Placement Learning in Cancer and Palliative Care Nursing. A guide for students in practice

17 May, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

This book provides its readers with a clear and concise introduction to how to prepare and cope with supporting patients and carers in what may be an emotionally challenging placement. The authors work together well in presenting a strong first section, which works to prepare students to challenge their own perceptions of what cancer is and how it is perceived not just by themselves but also by a wider society. Within the first few pages students are encouraged to consider their anxieties and concerns about this placement and to work out a coping strategy, thereby ensuring a support network is in place if it is required. 

There is a refresher section for students who have already covered the biology of cancer, while at the same time providing a good grounding for those who are learning the biology of cancer for the first time. Progressing from this the multimodality treatment options are explained in a reader friendly manner supporting students learning and development, using breast cancer as its focal point. Moving forward, students are pointed to the specialist elements of care involved for their patient’s dependent upon the stage of treatment embarked upon. The care and treatment options discussed within this book present the students with the skills and knowledge to look holistically at their patient’s needs. Using the acronym APIE they can learn how to Assess, Plan, Implement and Evaluate the care and treatment being offered and/or being received by patients in their care.

The later sections of this book deal with supporting patients and their families in the last few days of life. This may be a new experience for some students and the authors use good case studies to enable their readers to gain some theoretical knowledge of what they may encounter, while being aware that each individual person approaches end of life in a different way whether they are a patient, relative or health care professional.

As with other books within this series, this book is a resource for mentors to be aware of, especially when supporting and mentoring students in their care. The layout provides points for practice and placement specific reading lists enabling further study to be embarked upon to consolidate learning beyond knowing just the basics of cancer and palliative care nursing.

What were the highlights? 

The highlights of this book are the use of case studies to aid student learning in conjunction with points for practice. Reference is made to the end of life care strategy and the importance of maintaining holistic care and support, encompassing any spiritual needs.   Howard and Chady also provide guidance in regards to transferable skills that can be taken from this specialised field of nursing into other fields of nursing.to allow learning.

Strengths & weaknesses:

While reading this book no weaknesses are evident.  As with any specialist field it touches the surface and allows the reader opportunity to research further into areas of specific interest. The layout is methodical and clear in its presentation with clear guidance and current referencing. 

Who should read it?

This book should be considered by students of nursing who are going to embark on placements within cancer wards and palliative care. I would suggest also that it should be read by any student of nursing since, as nurses we can encounter patients with a diagnosis of cancer in any field of nursing and at some point we are likely to encounter patients who are approaching the end of life. Mentors should also read this book since it acts as a reminder of the needs of this patient group but also of the physical and emotional needs that their students may need during their placement.

The Student Guide to Counselling and Psychotherapy Approaches

16 May, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

This is an accessible guide book about the different psychotherapy approaches and how they can be used to counsel patients. It simplifies what could a challenging subject as some of the techniques such as “existential counselling” can be quite hard to explain. Adrian Pennington, a counselling psychologist, takes us through 12 of the most well-known and most used methods and explains exactly what they are and how to use them in practice. I think for a guide it contains just enough detail. If you want to learn more in depth about a particular approach I would suggest you read other books to widen your knowledge, however I felt the example scenarios used for each were comprehensive and gave me a good idea of how I would set about using them. Pennington also goes through the strengths and limitations of each method, which gives you an informed and rounded overview.

What were the highlights? 

I liked that it was written by someone with a lot of experience who is currently involved in counselling and psychotherapy and therefore knowledgeable on the subject. Often practitioners can be biased to one particular approach but this did not come across in this book as Pennington talks us through each of the concepts and finds limitations in all of them as well as strengths. He states that there is no perfect way and this is a good way of looking at psychotherapy as not all patients are the same and it is good to realise this. I liked the examples he uses for each method and also the fact that he gives the student extra reading on each approach so if you are particularly interested in an approach you have recommended texts to explore.

Strengths & weaknesses:

I liked the way the book was set out with a brief history of psychotherapy at the beginning. Each chapter on the concept is set out the same and so the book is easy to navigate. As I mentioned before, this is not an in-depth guide and this should not be the only reading you do about approaches before using them in practice. 

Who should read it?

Kidney Disease From Advanced Disease to Bereavement, second edition

14 May, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

This is one of a series of specialist handbooks from Oxford University. This book is an excellent handbook on a complex group of patients. It gives guidance to renal and palliative specialists who care for patients with advanced kidney disease. In the end stages of the disease this would be a good tool to utilise alongside the Liverpool Care Pathway. 

What were the highlights? 

As this is pocket sized it is a must for nephrologists, renal nurses, student nurses and doctors and palliative care staff. It is impressive that this is written by a consultant nephrologist, a clinical nephrologist, with a special interest in patient outcomes and in particular the elderly on dialysis, and a GP with a doctorate and interests in palliative and end of life care needs of renal patients. This has been revised and updated.

The text is in bullet points making the salient points easy to identify so a practitioner can find the exact details they need.

There are good case histories and advises on the use of effective communication with the patient and their family.

Strengths & weaknesses:

It gives the appropriate doses of medication, which can be difficult in patients with renal failure and includes the WHO Analgesic ladder.

It also advises the practitioner on recognising when someone is dying and there is good advice on preparing a patient for a good death.

The only weakness is the font size, but to enable this to be pocket sized, it is understandable. The chapter contain up to date references for further reading and the book is easy to pick up and find what you are looking for in well-written language.

Who should read it?

This would include nephrologists, renal nurses, student nurses and doctors and palliative care staff. It would also be invaluable to the physician where a patient may not have yet been diagnosed with this disease and at any stage.

Nurses with Disabilities Professional Issues and Job Retention

13 May, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

This book will help nurses to gain a full understanding of how the issue of disability is affecting workforce supply in nursing. It states “this is the first research-based book to confront workplace issues facing nurses who have disabilities.” It sets about exploring the barriers nurses may experience in securing employment, the misconceptions surrounding disability in the workplace and the discrimination they often face. Instead of taking nursing away from the bedside it explores how we can take care of our own and ensure the right nurses are nursing patients.

The book looks at accommodating staff, which is something that can be overlooked, such as shift patterns, looking beyond the disability and perceived problems at interview and how much physical tasks might there be in the job applied for and can that person do the job.

What were the highlights? 

The recognition that nurses with disabilities will not compromise patient care or safety.(???)* The author acknowledges the fact that everyone has the potential to be unsafe. This demystifies the myth that nurses with a disablement cannot look after patients. The author also explores the ever increasing problem of staff with obesity problems and looking at the perceived ideas that for instance cancer is a disease, which is unavoidable whereas obesity could be perceived as self-induced. The author quite rightly asks the question does the nurse who is obese lose his or her ability to think clearly and critically. 

The author is an associate dean of an American school of nursing among other professional titles and interests. She is also  a member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

There are real-life examples throughout the book, and this helps in the further understanding of disabilities and shockingly that people will go to lengths to hide their disability due to fear of being found out.

Strengths & weaknesses:

The author recognises that nurses with physical and sensory disabilities have a difficult time finding and keeping a job, but states there are ways and means of securing a job that is patient focused. There is a place for all nurses who want to care for patients and that patient seek comfort from one who understands.

Although the book is intended for nurses working in US, some of the terminology is different to that in the UK such as the family and medical leave act. This must not put potential readers off as this is a well-written informative book and extremely valuable in this day and age.

Who should read it?

This book is a must for all healthcare managers, recruitment, occupational health, human resources and for all nurses working within the healthcare setting to gain a full understanding and dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding disability. It should be on all student nurses reading lists.

The Modernisation of the Nursing Workforce. Valuing the healthcare assistant.

8 May, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

This is a detailed examination of the role of healthcare support workers in acute hospital settings. It identifies that despite little evidence to indicate that healthcare assistants (HCAs) are viewed as a strategic workforce, this role is likely to assume increasing importance as the NHS seeks to cope with more intense pressures.

What were the highlights? 

The authors draw upon the results of a large multi-method research study undertaken in four geographically diverse hospital Trusts in England. The use of case studies and semi-structured questioning allows valuable insight into the role in different areas of the country.

Strengths & weaknesses?

The research looks in detail at relationships between HCAs & nurses, and HCAs & patients, as well as identifying motivations and aspirations of those people performing the role, offering citations from their answers. This provides a valuable opportunity for the reader to feel empathy for those involved, and offers a more meaningful link to the people undertaking the role. However, as the book is written largely from a strategic point of view, it is likely to deter “shop-floor” nurses, which would be a real shame because it could go some way to improving respect and understanding for these often under-rated support workers.

Who should read it?

This would be a really useful text for all registered nurses and students to gain an enriched understanding of the role delivered by HCAs. Additionally, senior managers seeking to review their workforce would benefit from the strategic insight, and anyone engaged in delivering education for this group of staff.

Leading Evidence Informed Value Improvement in Healthcare

2 May, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

An excellent book written by an internationally acclaimed author of Health Innovation, Quality and Safety. The book is laid out systematically setting the scene in the first chapter discussing the importance of getting the balance between cost and quality for better outcomes, safety and value for all concerned in healthcare. It is then set out in three parts, which discuss What to improve, How to implement value improvement and The Knowing and Building. The book clearly sets out frameworks with sets of steps through a systematic approach using research and experiences of staff involved to closely monitor and identify changes moving healthcare from a volume driven system to a value-based patient orientated service. It demonstrates how value opportunities can be identified through safety and quality problems raising awareness of the service failures and the high-risk problems that need to be addressed and the resources required to do this. Innovation in leadership is achieved through making value improvements by influencing and enabling others by improving care for patients and reducing unnecessary wasted resources.    

What were the highlights? 

The author takes the reader through a step-by-step approach demonstrating successful improvements to processes and systems through case studies and personal experiences in healthcare settings. 

Strengths & weaknesses:

The strengths are through the clear recognition of getting costs and quality right for improved value, though a well-designed knowledge base and carefully managed change to improve processes and systems of care delivery. A framework is used to generate ideas through improved quality, lower cost and safety changes to reduce suffering and costs. This helps to unite professional and managers to use effective solutions for value improvements. The book provides ideas, frameworks and advice to successful outcomes and safety.

Who should read it?

Healthcare professionals, managers and all care providers. Also care purchasers, regulators and patients.

Angina and Heart Attack

30 April, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

This is a concise little book packed full of knowledge, anatomy & physiology and guidance for long term management of angina and heart attacks.  Itis a must have resource book for anyone who wishes to revise their knowledge of these two long term conditions as well as health practitioners, whose job entails advising patient groups about how they can live and remain active while keeping their condition under control.

The author has written this book in such a manner that the potential readership is broad. It is suitable for health care professionals, carers, as well as our patients and their families.

From the outside the book does not look anything special but it does exactly what it says on the cover. It provides “all the information you need straight from the experts”.It is current, up to date and based on current recommendations and practices. Inside there are illustrations where appropriate, for example when teaching the reader about cardiac pulmonary resuscitation.

The range of subjects in this book also includes causes of ischaemic heart disease and investigations for angina. Section 10 covers further information on angina and heart attack giving the reader a broad range of further resources available and how to obtain them, whether this is as simple as going to their doctor’s surgery or going on line and looking at the British Heart Foundation website and their vast resources, including relevant podcasts.

What were the highlights? 

I specifically enjoyed section 10, for the work that had gone into collating where other resources can be obtained from and the usability of these potential resources.

Strengths & weaknesses:

There is no obvious weakness to written material contained within this book.  Those who have worked to put this resource together have done so on a logical and coherent manner.  The main strength to this book is its wide readership. Also, reading this book enables the reader to be confident in undertaking cardiopulmonary resuscitation, whether for a family member or stranger.

The weaknesses in this book do not come from the written content but from the visual content. The illustrations incorporated into the text are black and white copies and are not as clear as they could be. Also the text may be a little on the small side for some readers.

Who should read it? 

Anyone caring for patients/clients or family with angina or has had (or at risk of) a heart attack would  benefit from reading this book. 

Epilepsy across the spectrum: Promoting health and understanding

29 April, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

This is a report commissioned by the Institute of Medicine to investigate various aspects of service provision for the epilepsies in the US. It introduces epilepsy and epidemiology before progressing to surveillance and data collection.  A global view is cast, examining specialist nurses in the UK, and international initiatives for delivering care to rural/underserved locations.

What were the highlights? 

As it is reported that 1:26 people in the US will develop epilepsy at some point in their life, the report examined surveillance efforts, prevention programmes, access to patient-centred care and best practice guidelines from across the globe. Discussion of these points leads on to thirteen recommendations for improving service provision in the US.

Strengths & weaknesses:

The book aims to describe a vision for achieving a better understanding of the public health dimensions of the epilepsies. It is evident that exhaustive analysis of service provision has gone into this report. However, do not mistake this book (as I did) for one providing information specifically about epilepsy as a condition, its impact upon the patient and their family and how to live with it.

Who should read it?

Healthcare providers involved in the provision of epilepsy care may find this report useful as a comparison to identify problems, or indeed best practice, in the delivery of services in this country.

The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence, seventh edition

25 April, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

This is the seventh edition of this excellent textbook.  It is a thorough and practical text, which introduces the reader to the world of nursing research and then leads them through the research process in detail. Clearly defined chapters stretch from the research question to ethics in research, research design and sampling and measurements. There are further chapters on critical cppraisal, data analysis, outcome determination and dissemination of research. This is a broad text, which still manages to provide plenty of information and detail. It is clearly written and well organised, both in terms of chapter order and within the chapters.

What were the highlights?  

The internet link gives access to a quiz, activities, and sample research proposals, which are particularly useful and a welcome added extra.

Strengths & weaknesses:

The book has a clear and logical structure and is enhanced by this editions updates. It is an American text, which for the most part has no bearing; however there are small portions of the chapter on ethics that do not apply to Europe. This is not a major flaw, as the ethical principles and themes are applicable and this is certainly not a reason not to buy the book.

Who should read it?

Anyone involved in research or wanting to begin to design their own research would benefit from reading this book. Although it is important to encourage nursing research and therefore, the title is important, this book could be read by people from any medical discipline in order to understand the workings of research. It would be particularly recommended to research nurses, student nurses and existing or potential nurse researchers.

Dying to live. A personal journey through terminal illness using spiritual logic

24 April, 2013 Posted by: Ibadete Fetahu -

What was it like?

Dying to live is a personal insight into Helen K Emms’s life. It details the journey that Helen encountered when her mother was diagnosed with having a brain tumour in March 2011. The book’s aim is to look at bereavement taking into account spiritual logic, insights and lessons to support the handling of death, dying and loss. The remainder of the book looks at Helen’s life culminating in the death of her mother and how she handled this.

What were the highlights? 

The book’s easy-to-read style, immerses you immediately into Helen’s journey. Each chapter has spiritual logic insight, which encourages deeper synthesis of thoughts and feelings. Although the book is based on the journey of a loved one who has a terminal illness resulting in death, the book manages to be a positive reading experience. Helen puts a greater emphasis on celebrating rather than mourning, and focuses more on acceptance rather than anger and sadness.

Strengths & weaknesses:

As this book is written as a personal account of Helen’s journey through her mother’s illness, it allows and helps the reader to participate in the journey and gain a more meaningful insight into death, dying and the journey through loss. Although easy to read, there are several different ways that the reader can read the book. This allows for an individual read tailored to the reader’s needs and preferences. Helen has given a greater insight to the reader on how to handle terminal illness and the loss that comes with death.

Who should read it?

This book would appeal to a large audience. It would be useful for individuals who have experienced loss or who have a loved one who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. It would also be beneficial for healthcare professionals wanting to get a deeper insight into the concept of dying, death and the journey through loss.