- Email: [email protected]
Brain dead, brain absent, brain donors
lNTENSIVEANDCRITICAL(:ARENURSlNG
209
Wales 15 September (Full study day): Renal/Nemo/Trauma. Welsh Development Agency, Treforest Industrial Estate, Taffswell, Mid Glamorgan. Members E14, non-members f20. Contact: John Albarran, c/o ITU, Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Tel: 0272 505050 x3 18013 18 1.
West Midlands September: Major Trauma - ‘The Golden Hour’. Venue and cost to be announced. November (Full study day): Aspects of Critical Care. Venue and cost to be announced. Maggie Horner, M: IU, Birmingham Contact: Accident Hospital. Tel: 021 627 1627 x54551/3/4 or 021 627 8286.
Wessex 9 October (Half study day): Burns/Spinal Injuries. Odstock Hospital, Salisbury. Members f8, non-members f20. 30 November (Evening): ECG Interpretation. Basingstoke District Hospital. Members free, non-members f5. Contact: Carolyne Boyles, Tel: 0703 785033 (daytime) or Wendy Freeman. Tel: 0703 263640.
West Yorkshire 5 October (Evening): Tracheostomy - A Cut-throat Business! BUPA Hospital, Jackson Avenue, Rounday, Leeds. Members free, non-members f2. 2 November (Evening): Transport of the Critically Ill Patient. BUPA Hospital, Jackson Avenue, Rounday, Leeds. Members free, non-members f2. Contact: Lindsey Ingoldby, Surgical Unit, Seacroft Hospital, Leeds Tel: 0532 648164 x3696.
BOOK REVIEWS Whose Life is it Anyhow? Dr Simon Cohen Robson Books, London, 1993,206
their units current such issues. pages. f 16.95
The title of this book is not to be confused with the play by Brian Clarke, ‘Whose life is it anyway?’ It examines the ethico-moral dilemmas faced by doctors in intensive care units. The focus of the exploration is that of the medical practitioner and not of the patient or their significant others. Writing about the current dilemmas such as an increasingly ageing population, sophisticated technology, a perceived increased demand from the public for advanced life saving technology, and faced with limited resources, Dr Cohen provides an emotional exploration of the issues. Guided by a belief that the public should be informed about the increasing problems of providing such sophisticated life saving treatments, he sets out the problems of prioritising within an increasingly restricted financial climate. Whilst the style of writing is easy to read, health professionals may find the lack of any firm conclusions, or suggestions for resolving the problems unhelpful. The book’s intended audience should find the examples useful and the sensitive handling of the issues easy to follow. In conclusion this book provides some useful insights and examples of the dilemmas faced by all those working in intensive care. As such its value will be to those wishing to begin an analysis of
practices
and values concerning
BRIANMILLAR MA, RGN, DipN, PGCE(A) Brain Dead, Brain Absent, Brain Donors Peter McCullagh John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 1993. 250 pages This book addresses the emotive concept of brain death and the links between brain death and organ donation. It has seven chapters, beginning with a review of the history and evolution of thinking about brain death and in chapter two moving to consider possible future trends and applications. These excellent chapters offer a very detailed examination of the issues and the debate from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Two further chapters examine the difficult issue of brain absence and the case of the anencephalic infant. Such an obviously emotive subject is handled sensitively by the author. The chapters will provide a useful reference point for discussion and debate by all those concerned with this tragic situation. Chapter six provides a detailed discussion concerning the treatment of Parkinsons sufferers with brain tissue transplants. The book concludes with an interesting exploration of the distinction between human subjects and human objects.
210
lNTENSlVEANDCRITICALCARENURSING
This is an excellent book offering detailed and information increasingly comprehensive about important issues. Each chapter concludes with a detailed reference list. It will be a valuable addition to the library of any intensive care unit. BRIANMILLAR MA, RGN, DipN, PGCE(A)
Pain: A Handbook for Nurses 2nd ed. Beatrice Sofaer Chapman 8c Hall, London, 1992. 99 pages. 210.95
Price
This book written by an acknowledged authority in the field of pain management aims to introduce nurses to the complex subject of pain. This second edition, coming 6 years after the first, has been updated although the majority of the references quoted in each chapter remain pre-1985. The handbook is intended to appeal to all grades of staff working in a wide variety of clinical situations and as such concentrates on general principles of pain and pain management. This would not be the book for someone seeking specific ideas for the management of particular types of pain. Readers are encouraged to develop their thoughts on the options available to best help those in pain and to use the text as a stepping stone to seek out further information and knowledge. The inclusion of a general bibliography and reading list at the end of the book provides an opportunity to expand the subject matter covered in the text. The book takes an holistic and individualised approach to pain and aims to give an understanding of the physiological, psychological and cultural factors which may influence pain, assessment techniques and therapies. The text is divided into nine chapters with subject matters covering, for example: pain theory; the unique position of both the patient and the nurse; pain assessment; accountability, responsibility and communication; pain therapies, including distraction, imagery, relaxation and accupuncture; and feelings about pain. Each chapter ends with a summary of the main points. This book does indeed serve as an introduction to what is a highly complex topic. Anyone choosing to make an in-depth study of any aspect of pain is likely to want more detail than is provided here. For example, the physiology of pain and the use of pain assessment tools are only covered briefly. This book is to be recommended for its clarity and patient-centred approach and would be a useful addition to any hospital or college library. Critical care nurses are likely to find it a valuable starting point for more specific study. ROSEMARYAWEBSTER BSc, RGN
The ECG Made Easy 4th ed. John R Hampton Churchill Livingstone, Price 24.50
Edinburgh,
1992. 106 pages.
Since its first publication 20 years ago this pocket size reference book has sold over 200000 copies. The cover of the latest edition will appear familiar to many who have gone through the potentially daunting process of getting to grips with the basics of electrocardiography. This new edition follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, aiming to guide users of the ECG to simple and accurate identification and interpretation of normal and abnormal patterns. Chapter headings include: What the ECG is about; Conduction and its problems; The rhythm of the heart; and Abnormalities of the PQRST waves. Each chapter starts with a list of principles and ends with a summary of the main points to remember. The successful format of previous editions has been retained and the reader is presented with clear, well illustrated and practical information about the basic ECG. Comparing this edition with those that have gone before, the most obvious ammendments are the redrawing of the 12 lead ECGs to show the now widely used three channel ECG recordings and the addition of a final chapter of ‘Reminders’ which brings together key points in concise note form. The book steers clear of anatomy and physiology, patient problems and management issues and the reader who requires a more comprehensive knowledge base would be advised to use this book in conjunction with others. However, as an introductory text for those who want to be able to use the ECG without getting too involved in complexities this book hits the mark and is likely to become a well-used fixture in the pockets of many health-care professionals. ROSEMARYAWEBSTER BSc,RGN
Control of Hospital Infection - A Practical Handbook G A J Ayliffe, E J L Lowbury, A M Geddes, J D Williams Chapman and Hall Medical, London, 1992. Price 512.95 This up-dated edition of an extremely useful handbook has been written primarily for hospital based clinical staff, however, it does provide valuable information which will be of interest to hospital managers, with specific interest to those responsible for catering and domestic services. Particularly useful to nursing staff are the chapters concerned with special problems of miscellaneous infections; decontamination of the environment,
209
Wales 15 September (Full study day): Renal/Nemo/Trauma. Welsh Development Agency, Treforest Industrial Estate, Taffswell, Mid Glamorgan. Members E14, non-members f20. Contact: John Albarran, c/o ITU, Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Tel: 0272 505050 x3 18013 18 1.
West Midlands September: Major Trauma - ‘The Golden Hour’. Venue and cost to be announced. November (Full study day): Aspects of Critical Care. Venue and cost to be announced. Maggie Horner, M: IU, Birmingham Contact: Accident Hospital. Tel: 021 627 1627 x54551/3/4 or 021 627 8286.
Wessex 9 October (Half study day): Burns/Spinal Injuries. Odstock Hospital, Salisbury. Members f8, non-members f20. 30 November (Evening): ECG Interpretation. Basingstoke District Hospital. Members free, non-members f5. Contact: Carolyne Boyles, Tel: 0703 785033 (daytime) or Wendy Freeman. Tel: 0703 263640.
West Yorkshire 5 October (Evening): Tracheostomy - A Cut-throat Business! BUPA Hospital, Jackson Avenue, Rounday, Leeds. Members free, non-members f2. 2 November (Evening): Transport of the Critically Ill Patient. BUPA Hospital, Jackson Avenue, Rounday, Leeds. Members free, non-members f2. Contact: Lindsey Ingoldby, Surgical Unit, Seacroft Hospital, Leeds Tel: 0532 648164 x3696.
BOOK REVIEWS Whose Life is it Anyhow? Dr Simon Cohen Robson Books, London, 1993,206
their units current such issues. pages. f 16.95
The title of this book is not to be confused with the play by Brian Clarke, ‘Whose life is it anyway?’ It examines the ethico-moral dilemmas faced by doctors in intensive care units. The focus of the exploration is that of the medical practitioner and not of the patient or their significant others. Writing about the current dilemmas such as an increasingly ageing population, sophisticated technology, a perceived increased demand from the public for advanced life saving technology, and faced with limited resources, Dr Cohen provides an emotional exploration of the issues. Guided by a belief that the public should be informed about the increasing problems of providing such sophisticated life saving treatments, he sets out the problems of prioritising within an increasingly restricted financial climate. Whilst the style of writing is easy to read, health professionals may find the lack of any firm conclusions, or suggestions for resolving the problems unhelpful. The book’s intended audience should find the examples useful and the sensitive handling of the issues easy to follow. In conclusion this book provides some useful insights and examples of the dilemmas faced by all those working in intensive care. As such its value will be to those wishing to begin an analysis of
practices
and values concerning
BRIANMILLAR MA, RGN, DipN, PGCE(A) Brain Dead, Brain Absent, Brain Donors Peter McCullagh John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 1993. 250 pages This book addresses the emotive concept of brain death and the links between brain death and organ donation. It has seven chapters, beginning with a review of the history and evolution of thinking about brain death and in chapter two moving to consider possible future trends and applications. These excellent chapters offer a very detailed examination of the issues and the debate from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Two further chapters examine the difficult issue of brain absence and the case of the anencephalic infant. Such an obviously emotive subject is handled sensitively by the author. The chapters will provide a useful reference point for discussion and debate by all those concerned with this tragic situation. Chapter six provides a detailed discussion concerning the treatment of Parkinsons sufferers with brain tissue transplants. The book concludes with an interesting exploration of the distinction between human subjects and human objects.
210
lNTENSlVEANDCRITICALCARENURSING
This is an excellent book offering detailed and information increasingly comprehensive about important issues. Each chapter concludes with a detailed reference list. It will be a valuable addition to the library of any intensive care unit. BRIANMILLAR MA, RGN, DipN, PGCE(A)
Pain: A Handbook for Nurses 2nd ed. Beatrice Sofaer Chapman 8c Hall, London, 1992. 99 pages. 210.95
Price
This book written by an acknowledged authority in the field of pain management aims to introduce nurses to the complex subject of pain. This second edition, coming 6 years after the first, has been updated although the majority of the references quoted in each chapter remain pre-1985. The handbook is intended to appeal to all grades of staff working in a wide variety of clinical situations and as such concentrates on general principles of pain and pain management. This would not be the book for someone seeking specific ideas for the management of particular types of pain. Readers are encouraged to develop their thoughts on the options available to best help those in pain and to use the text as a stepping stone to seek out further information and knowledge. The inclusion of a general bibliography and reading list at the end of the book provides an opportunity to expand the subject matter covered in the text. The book takes an holistic and individualised approach to pain and aims to give an understanding of the physiological, psychological and cultural factors which may influence pain, assessment techniques and therapies. The text is divided into nine chapters with subject matters covering, for example: pain theory; the unique position of both the patient and the nurse; pain assessment; accountability, responsibility and communication; pain therapies, including distraction, imagery, relaxation and accupuncture; and feelings about pain. Each chapter ends with a summary of the main points. This book does indeed serve as an introduction to what is a highly complex topic. Anyone choosing to make an in-depth study of any aspect of pain is likely to want more detail than is provided here. For example, the physiology of pain and the use of pain assessment tools are only covered briefly. This book is to be recommended for its clarity and patient-centred approach and would be a useful addition to any hospital or college library. Critical care nurses are likely to find it a valuable starting point for more specific study. ROSEMARYAWEBSTER BSc, RGN
The ECG Made Easy 4th ed. John R Hampton Churchill Livingstone, Price 24.50
Edinburgh,
1992. 106 pages.
Since its first publication 20 years ago this pocket size reference book has sold over 200000 copies. The cover of the latest edition will appear familiar to many who have gone through the potentially daunting process of getting to grips with the basics of electrocardiography. This new edition follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, aiming to guide users of the ECG to simple and accurate identification and interpretation of normal and abnormal patterns. Chapter headings include: What the ECG is about; Conduction and its problems; The rhythm of the heart; and Abnormalities of the PQRST waves. Each chapter starts with a list of principles and ends with a summary of the main points to remember. The successful format of previous editions has been retained and the reader is presented with clear, well illustrated and practical information about the basic ECG. Comparing this edition with those that have gone before, the most obvious ammendments are the redrawing of the 12 lead ECGs to show the now widely used three channel ECG recordings and the addition of a final chapter of ‘Reminders’ which brings together key points in concise note form. The book steers clear of anatomy and physiology, patient problems and management issues and the reader who requires a more comprehensive knowledge base would be advised to use this book in conjunction with others. However, as an introductory text for those who want to be able to use the ECG without getting too involved in complexities this book hits the mark and is likely to become a well-used fixture in the pockets of many health-care professionals. ROSEMARYAWEBSTER BSc,RGN
Control of Hospital Infection - A Practical Handbook G A J Ayliffe, E J L Lowbury, A M Geddes, J D Williams Chapman and Hall Medical, London, 1992. Price 512.95 This up-dated edition of an extremely useful handbook has been written primarily for hospital based clinical staff, however, it does provide valuable information which will be of interest to hospital managers, with specific interest to those responsible for catering and domestic services. Particularly useful to nursing staff are the chapters concerned with special problems of miscellaneous infections; decontamination of the environment,