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Anathema: America's War on Medicine
REVIEWS Anathema: America’s War on Medicine Michael Pryce Trafford Publishing 2008, 156 pages $18 softcover This is one of the most enlightening books I have ever read. By using a candid approach, Michael Pryce, MD, systematically exposes what is presently wrong with the US health care system. The contents of the book are relevant, factual, and sobering. Every health care professional should read this book to fully appreciate the current health care crisis in the United States. Dr Pryce describes negative elements in our health care system that have contributed to the dilemma, which include
bureaucratic waste and punitive regulations; the practice of defensive medicine (ie, when physicians order repetitive or expensive tests that may not be indicated to protect themselves from being sued for not doing enough for a patient); unfettered malpractice litigation; power and greed within the government and the insurance industry; and the failure of Medicare and entitlement programs to adequately provide comprehensive and affordable coverage to those who qualify, and the complex regulations and low reimbursement rates that make it difficult for providers to treat patients covered by these programs.
The book is set up in short chapters that cover each of these detrimental issues separately. Health care professionals should encourage their patients, family members, and friends to become engaged in discussing the health care debate and subsequently demand that their elected 242
AORN Journal ●
August 2010
Vol 92
No 2
officials address the root problems that are contributing to the health care crisis. Dr Pryce indicates that the future of health care in the United States is bleak unless there is a fundamental change in how the system functions. The author notes that bureaucrats and insurance executives who are only interested in votes and profits are contributing to the problem. Many of the problems associated with the health care dilemma are the result of misguided individuals and establishments with less than honorable and ethical intentions. Moreover, solving the health care problem requires that the physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals who are integrally involved in this issue work together to suggest and implement initiatives that will result in fundamental and lasting change. As Dr Pryce asserts, universal health care in the United States is attainable but not via a government takeover. In contrast, he outlines a sensible plan to overhaul the system, which he says can be done affordably and without government intrusion. Legitimate and sustainable reform is possible and costeffective, without increased taxes or rationing of health care, according to Dr Pryce. He contends that there is more than enough money to pay for universal health care coverage by eliminating wasteful government spending and by restructuring the practice and business of medical care in a fashion that is fair and equitable for all citizens. Dr Pryce’s plan includes comprehensive health care coverage through
developing a national and uniform electronic medical record system, initiating a written standard of care model by which all physicians would practice, reforming insurance and malpractice programs, eliminating bureaucratic waste and limiting government involvement in health care, changing how medical complications and adverse patient outcomes are managed, and phasing out Medicare and entitlement programs. © AORN, Inc, 2010
REVIEWS
www.aornjournal.org
There is nothing that I disliked about this book; it is easy to read and well organized. Simply, it was refreshing to learn about a topic that is fundamental to the core values of our American democracy, but it was equally disturbing to realize the seriousness of the problem. Readers will be shocked and disturbed by the information in this book; however, they also will be motivated to get involved in helping to change the direction of the US health care system. Every health care professional has a responsibility to understand the topic of health care reform, and, in my opinion, there is presently no better or more concise treatment on this subject than one is afforded by reading this book. WAYNE ROCKHILL RN, BSN STAFF RN, OR DANBURY HOSPITAL DANBURY, CT doi: 10.1016/j.aorn.2010.05.017
Chemistry and Physics for Nurse Anesthesia: A Student Centered Approach David Shubert and John Leyba Springer Publishing Company 2009, 430 pages $80 softcover At first glance, one might grimace at this book’s title and envision a shoulder-breaking tome. Happily, this is not the case. David Shubert, PhD, and John Leyba, PhD, each have expertise in many facets of chemistry and physics, and do an admirable job of presenting mathematics and science topics as they relate to anesthesia. The authors, who have both been recognized by their students with Teaching Excellence awards, noticed that there was a definite need to assist advance practice nurses entering the anesthesia realm. This book was their solution.
This science textbook is set apart not only for its smaller size but also for its efficient and casual readability, combining the essentials of college algebra, chemistry, and physics into a compact package. Readers will not find an overabundance of “stuffy” science jargon in this book. The authors note in their introduction that they found a specific need to address master’s degree-level nurses who have extensive expertise in their fields but who have little background in advanced chemistry or physics. To that end, the authors set out to provide an easy-to-read text that gives nurses in anesthesia programs a brief review of college algebra followed by a review of chemistry basics and physics. The next sections focus on fluids, gases, states of matter, and solutions. The second half of the book leads the reader through more complex concepts of acids and bases, along with electrical circuits, organic compounds, and biochemistry. Each chapter is well organized, with concise explanations of concepts and numerous examples and break-out tables. Clinical examples further reinforce concepts addressed within each chapter. Each chapter concludes with review questions to help promote understanding of the material. In addition to providing supplemental reading references, the back of the book contains answers to chapter review questions. The authors, through clear and concise writing and explanations, empower nurses who wish to expand their practice to a role in anesthesia. Although no bigger than a novel, this book would make an excellent addition to a reference library, serve as self-guided supplemental material, or serve as a main textbook for nurse anesthetist students. In addition, instructors who use this text can contact the publisher to obtain the PowerPoint® slides that accompany the book. ELIZABETH K. MOFFATT BA, RN, CNOR OR STAFF NURSE PINNACLE HEALTH, HARRISBURG HARRISBURG, PA doi: 10.1016/j.aorn.2010.05.018
Editor’s note: PowerPoint is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA. AORN Journal
243
bureaucratic waste and punitive regulations; the practice of defensive medicine (ie, when physicians order repetitive or expensive tests that may not be indicated to protect themselves from being sued for not doing enough for a patient); unfettered malpractice litigation; power and greed within the government and the insurance industry; and the failure of Medicare and entitlement programs to adequately provide comprehensive and affordable coverage to those who qualify, and the complex regulations and low reimbursement rates that make it difficult for providers to treat patients covered by these programs.
The book is set up in short chapters that cover each of these detrimental issues separately. Health care professionals should encourage their patients, family members, and friends to become engaged in discussing the health care debate and subsequently demand that their elected 242
AORN Journal ●
August 2010
Vol 92
No 2
officials address the root problems that are contributing to the health care crisis. Dr Pryce indicates that the future of health care in the United States is bleak unless there is a fundamental change in how the system functions. The author notes that bureaucrats and insurance executives who are only interested in votes and profits are contributing to the problem. Many of the problems associated with the health care dilemma are the result of misguided individuals and establishments with less than honorable and ethical intentions. Moreover, solving the health care problem requires that the physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals who are integrally involved in this issue work together to suggest and implement initiatives that will result in fundamental and lasting change. As Dr Pryce asserts, universal health care in the United States is attainable but not via a government takeover. In contrast, he outlines a sensible plan to overhaul the system, which he says can be done affordably and without government intrusion. Legitimate and sustainable reform is possible and costeffective, without increased taxes or rationing of health care, according to Dr Pryce. He contends that there is more than enough money to pay for universal health care coverage by eliminating wasteful government spending and by restructuring the practice and business of medical care in a fashion that is fair and equitable for all citizens. Dr Pryce’s plan includes comprehensive health care coverage through
developing a national and uniform electronic medical record system, initiating a written standard of care model by which all physicians would practice, reforming insurance and malpractice programs, eliminating bureaucratic waste and limiting government involvement in health care, changing how medical complications and adverse patient outcomes are managed, and phasing out Medicare and entitlement programs. © AORN, Inc, 2010
REVIEWS
www.aornjournal.org
There is nothing that I disliked about this book; it is easy to read and well organized. Simply, it was refreshing to learn about a topic that is fundamental to the core values of our American democracy, but it was equally disturbing to realize the seriousness of the problem. Readers will be shocked and disturbed by the information in this book; however, they also will be motivated to get involved in helping to change the direction of the US health care system. Every health care professional has a responsibility to understand the topic of health care reform, and, in my opinion, there is presently no better or more concise treatment on this subject than one is afforded by reading this book. WAYNE ROCKHILL RN, BSN STAFF RN, OR DANBURY HOSPITAL DANBURY, CT doi: 10.1016/j.aorn.2010.05.017
Chemistry and Physics for Nurse Anesthesia: A Student Centered Approach David Shubert and John Leyba Springer Publishing Company 2009, 430 pages $80 softcover At first glance, one might grimace at this book’s title and envision a shoulder-breaking tome. Happily, this is not the case. David Shubert, PhD, and John Leyba, PhD, each have expertise in many facets of chemistry and physics, and do an admirable job of presenting mathematics and science topics as they relate to anesthesia. The authors, who have both been recognized by their students with Teaching Excellence awards, noticed that there was a definite need to assist advance practice nurses entering the anesthesia realm. This book was their solution.
This science textbook is set apart not only for its smaller size but also for its efficient and casual readability, combining the essentials of college algebra, chemistry, and physics into a compact package. Readers will not find an overabundance of “stuffy” science jargon in this book. The authors note in their introduction that they found a specific need to address master’s degree-level nurses who have extensive expertise in their fields but who have little background in advanced chemistry or physics. To that end, the authors set out to provide an easy-to-read text that gives nurses in anesthesia programs a brief review of college algebra followed by a review of chemistry basics and physics. The next sections focus on fluids, gases, states of matter, and solutions. The second half of the book leads the reader through more complex concepts of acids and bases, along with electrical circuits, organic compounds, and biochemistry. Each chapter is well organized, with concise explanations of concepts and numerous examples and break-out tables. Clinical examples further reinforce concepts addressed within each chapter. Each chapter concludes with review questions to help promote understanding of the material. In addition to providing supplemental reading references, the back of the book contains answers to chapter review questions. The authors, through clear and concise writing and explanations, empower nurses who wish to expand their practice to a role in anesthesia. Although no bigger than a novel, this book would make an excellent addition to a reference library, serve as self-guided supplemental material, or serve as a main textbook for nurse anesthetist students. In addition, instructors who use this text can contact the publisher to obtain the PowerPoint® slides that accompany the book. ELIZABETH K. MOFFATT BA, RN, CNOR OR STAFF NURSE PINNACLE HEALTH, HARRISBURG HARRISBURG, PA doi: 10.1016/j.aorn.2010.05.018
Editor’s note: PowerPoint is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA. AORN Journal
243