- Email: [email protected]
Environmental, Policy, and Cultural Factors
508
Information for Managing Health Care Resources Radcliffe Press, Abingdon, Oxon 2002 (ISBN1 85775 474 3). 200 pages by Sheila Bullas and Dallas Ariotti £20 This is one book in the Harnessing Heath Information series and is aimed at all practitioners, managers and support staff. The focus of the book is to take a whole systems approach to managing resources, considering workforce, estates, supplies and finance. As with all books of this type some aspects date quickly, and some items covered are already standard practice in all areas. The use of the term ‘professionals allied to medicine’ rather than ‘allied health professions’ although not a major issue, does illustrate how quickly terminology changes. However, the concepts within the book are clearly explained. The use of simple clear diagrams in the introduction in addition to text makes issues clearer, and easily sets the scene for future chapters. The chapter dealing with the workforce does not cover new ground, but is explained in a way to reinforce good practice. It is also a useful chapter for individuals new to information management. Good examples make readers consider the whole population and not just the National Health Service. The information on estates is certainly worth including, as this is an area often undervalued by some managers and clinicians. However, it is difficult to follow on occasions and
Environmental, Policy, and Cultural Factors related to physical activity in a diverse sample of women Haworth Medical Press, New York 2003 (ISBN 0 7890 2001 7). 138 pages edited by Amy A Eyler PhD $20 The title of this book effectively summarises its main focus – provision of information concerning the multiple factors that influence the physical activity of certain groups of women. However, the diverse samples of women chosen are limited and are taken from women resident in the USA. Thus, the editor acknowledges that the data collected may not be generalised to the populations studied. It is also limited in its application to women outside America. Nevertheless, this book makes a very useful contribution to the literature available to undergraduate and postgraduate students who are interested in the motivational factors Physiotherapy August 2003/vol 89/no 8
is not for the faint hearted! The finance section does deal with a good range of issues to maximise health gain, but not in any depth. A clear overview is offered and for those wishing to obtain further information there is a concise list of appropriate references. Managing quality and costs pulls on good examples to clarify issues and stimulates thoughts around using information in a more productive way, to manage and measure quality. Diagrams and graphs add clarity The chapters on managing process and change, and performance management and performance review, form the most useful part of the book. They deal with the issues currently at the top of the National Health Service agenda, namely how to implement change that will lead to service redesign and then how to measure this change in a meaningful way. Although nothing essentially new is covered, the use of practical examples makes it easier to understand and appreciate. The final few pages on making it happen pull the facts together in a constructive and positive manner. The use of key points at the end of each chapter draws readers to the essential issues and a list of references makes it easy for readers to identify further information if needed. Altogether, this is a useful reference book for those looking to have appropriate advice easily available. Although somewhat ‘dry’ in places it does form the basis of a useful aide mémoire and explanation for those wishing to understand the use of information in management. Judith Whittam BSc MCSP
related to exercise and physical activity in women. It should be recognised that the problems of cardiovascular disease and the associated risk factors identified within the book are as pertinent to certain groups of women within the United Kingdom as they are in the USA. Nine studies are presented which adopt similar methods of research -- focus groups, in order to gain the views of culturally diverse groups of women towards exercise. Their views are usefully summarised, but more importantly, they have been used to provide the basis of a model of an integrated approach to increasing physical activity among ethnic/minority populations of women. Patient readers are presented with this useful model in the final chapter. Readers who are short on time may find that by reading the summary, discussion and conclusion of each chapter a quick overview of the investigations is gained, since the research methods and the presentation for each are similar. However, a more thorough read is recommended because each of the investigations reported yielded valuable quantitative information in the context in which they were carried out. Some of the deterrents to exercise may be specific to the
Book reviews
environments identified and may be less relevant in the context of the United Kingdom – for example, the lack of side-walks/pavements, stray dogs and so on – but there are other factors such as family commitment, childcare, and individual motivation which may be highly relevant. The fulfilment of the research aims from which the book was derived is clear, and one of these is the sharing of the
Basic Abilities A whole approach: A developmental guide for children with multiple disabilities Souvenir Press, London Reprinted 2002 (ISBN 0 285 63171 3). Illus. 144 pages by Sophie Levitt FCSP £13 The principal theme of this book is to help parents/carers and therapists alike to join together to help a child to journey through the basic developmental processes using a framework to achieve normal basic activities of daily living. This will give confidence to all to help growing disabled children to achieve progression to their future as an adult with as many abilities as possible. The author felt that the main carers of the children are in a better position to help them carry out and develop the activities that record milestones. Regardless of delays, progression is possible, albeit at a slower pace than for children without disabilities. The book is written in an easy-to-read style and with suggestions and advice about how to use daily activities to help go through four stages of children’s development from 0 to 2-3 years. It looks at seven main headings of controlling posture and moving, using hands, looking, listening,
Isometric Muscle Strength Measurement Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart 2002 (ISBN 3 13 127851 X/693). Illus.146 pages by Thomas Stoll, Erika Huber, Burkhardt Seifert, Gerald Stucki, Beat A Michel 34.95 euros Having reviewed this book, my summary is as follows: 1. Photographs would have been useful besides diagrammatic figures. 2. Written instructions for figures 2.5 and 2.8 are inconsistent with the diagram.
509
results with intervention specialists. Physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners should find some of the suggestions offered extremely valuable in the construction and development of their own programmes of physical activity for culturally diverse groups. Mel Stewart MEd MCSP DipTP
sensing, communication and understanding. The one layout I found disappointing was the doublepage development framework diagrams. Being the main crux of the book, they needed to be larger with less on them, making them easier to decipher. They show the four stages that each activity should be worked through and so it is important that they should be easy to follow. The five activities of eating and drinking, washing, dressing, toileting, play, and moving from place to place are brought through these first four stages using the appropriate headings. At the end of this there is a snapshot of an actual child’s history, which helps bring the narrative alive. In certain sections the book recommends that therapists are contacted about any special aids and advice and suggests consulting other parents about achievements obtained despite difficulties. I think that this book would be of great benefit to parents/carers and therapists new to the specialty alike, as it rightly puts child and parent/carer at the centre and then describes ways that therapy can be functional and fun and focus on the whole child and his or her abilities. Availability of this book in a normal library would be useful for parents/carers, but they would soon realise that ownership was more satisfactory. I did find it was a good size with clear typesetting and it is good value for money. Jane Sclater BSc MCSP
3. I felt the book as a whole would have benefited from a wider discussion regarding the practical application of the gauge. 4. Overall I thought the instrument would probably be useful for controlled clinical trials where watertight precision measurements are required. However, its clinical use is limited by the fact that it does not measure muscle activity functionally. It would also be too time-consuming to set up one of these on a regular basis in a busy rehabilitation department. 5. I am asking myself if the authors and the manufacturers of the gauge are one and the same – it is not entirely clear one way or the other. David Grover MCSP Physiotherapy August 2003/vol 89/no 8
Information for Managing Health Care Resources Radcliffe Press, Abingdon, Oxon 2002 (ISBN1 85775 474 3). 200 pages by Sheila Bullas and Dallas Ariotti £20 This is one book in the Harnessing Heath Information series and is aimed at all practitioners, managers and support staff. The focus of the book is to take a whole systems approach to managing resources, considering workforce, estates, supplies and finance. As with all books of this type some aspects date quickly, and some items covered are already standard practice in all areas. The use of the term ‘professionals allied to medicine’ rather than ‘allied health professions’ although not a major issue, does illustrate how quickly terminology changes. However, the concepts within the book are clearly explained. The use of simple clear diagrams in the introduction in addition to text makes issues clearer, and easily sets the scene for future chapters. The chapter dealing with the workforce does not cover new ground, but is explained in a way to reinforce good practice. It is also a useful chapter for individuals new to information management. Good examples make readers consider the whole population and not just the National Health Service. The information on estates is certainly worth including, as this is an area often undervalued by some managers and clinicians. However, it is difficult to follow on occasions and
Environmental, Policy, and Cultural Factors related to physical activity in a diverse sample of women Haworth Medical Press, New York 2003 (ISBN 0 7890 2001 7). 138 pages edited by Amy A Eyler PhD $20 The title of this book effectively summarises its main focus – provision of information concerning the multiple factors that influence the physical activity of certain groups of women. However, the diverse samples of women chosen are limited and are taken from women resident in the USA. Thus, the editor acknowledges that the data collected may not be generalised to the populations studied. It is also limited in its application to women outside America. Nevertheless, this book makes a very useful contribution to the literature available to undergraduate and postgraduate students who are interested in the motivational factors Physiotherapy August 2003/vol 89/no 8
is not for the faint hearted! The finance section does deal with a good range of issues to maximise health gain, but not in any depth. A clear overview is offered and for those wishing to obtain further information there is a concise list of appropriate references. Managing quality and costs pulls on good examples to clarify issues and stimulates thoughts around using information in a more productive way, to manage and measure quality. Diagrams and graphs add clarity The chapters on managing process and change, and performance management and performance review, form the most useful part of the book. They deal with the issues currently at the top of the National Health Service agenda, namely how to implement change that will lead to service redesign and then how to measure this change in a meaningful way. Although nothing essentially new is covered, the use of practical examples makes it easier to understand and appreciate. The final few pages on making it happen pull the facts together in a constructive and positive manner. The use of key points at the end of each chapter draws readers to the essential issues and a list of references makes it easy for readers to identify further information if needed. Altogether, this is a useful reference book for those looking to have appropriate advice easily available. Although somewhat ‘dry’ in places it does form the basis of a useful aide mémoire and explanation for those wishing to understand the use of information in management. Judith Whittam BSc MCSP
related to exercise and physical activity in women. It should be recognised that the problems of cardiovascular disease and the associated risk factors identified within the book are as pertinent to certain groups of women within the United Kingdom as they are in the USA. Nine studies are presented which adopt similar methods of research -- focus groups, in order to gain the views of culturally diverse groups of women towards exercise. Their views are usefully summarised, but more importantly, they have been used to provide the basis of a model of an integrated approach to increasing physical activity among ethnic/minority populations of women. Patient readers are presented with this useful model in the final chapter. Readers who are short on time may find that by reading the summary, discussion and conclusion of each chapter a quick overview of the investigations is gained, since the research methods and the presentation for each are similar. However, a more thorough read is recommended because each of the investigations reported yielded valuable quantitative information in the context in which they were carried out. Some of the deterrents to exercise may be specific to the
Book reviews
environments identified and may be less relevant in the context of the United Kingdom – for example, the lack of side-walks/pavements, stray dogs and so on – but there are other factors such as family commitment, childcare, and individual motivation which may be highly relevant. The fulfilment of the research aims from which the book was derived is clear, and one of these is the sharing of the
Basic Abilities A whole approach: A developmental guide for children with multiple disabilities Souvenir Press, London Reprinted 2002 (ISBN 0 285 63171 3). Illus. 144 pages by Sophie Levitt FCSP £13 The principal theme of this book is to help parents/carers and therapists alike to join together to help a child to journey through the basic developmental processes using a framework to achieve normal basic activities of daily living. This will give confidence to all to help growing disabled children to achieve progression to their future as an adult with as many abilities as possible. The author felt that the main carers of the children are in a better position to help them carry out and develop the activities that record milestones. Regardless of delays, progression is possible, albeit at a slower pace than for children without disabilities. The book is written in an easy-to-read style and with suggestions and advice about how to use daily activities to help go through four stages of children’s development from 0 to 2-3 years. It looks at seven main headings of controlling posture and moving, using hands, looking, listening,
Isometric Muscle Strength Measurement Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart 2002 (ISBN 3 13 127851 X/693). Illus.146 pages by Thomas Stoll, Erika Huber, Burkhardt Seifert, Gerald Stucki, Beat A Michel 34.95 euros Having reviewed this book, my summary is as follows: 1. Photographs would have been useful besides diagrammatic figures. 2. Written instructions for figures 2.5 and 2.8 are inconsistent with the diagram.
509
results with intervention specialists. Physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners should find some of the suggestions offered extremely valuable in the construction and development of their own programmes of physical activity for culturally diverse groups. Mel Stewart MEd MCSP DipTP
sensing, communication and understanding. The one layout I found disappointing was the doublepage development framework diagrams. Being the main crux of the book, they needed to be larger with less on them, making them easier to decipher. They show the four stages that each activity should be worked through and so it is important that they should be easy to follow. The five activities of eating and drinking, washing, dressing, toileting, play, and moving from place to place are brought through these first four stages using the appropriate headings. At the end of this there is a snapshot of an actual child’s history, which helps bring the narrative alive. In certain sections the book recommends that therapists are contacted about any special aids and advice and suggests consulting other parents about achievements obtained despite difficulties. I think that this book would be of great benefit to parents/carers and therapists new to the specialty alike, as it rightly puts child and parent/carer at the centre and then describes ways that therapy can be functional and fun and focus on the whole child and his or her abilities. Availability of this book in a normal library would be useful for parents/carers, but they would soon realise that ownership was more satisfactory. I did find it was a good size with clear typesetting and it is good value for money. Jane Sclater BSc MCSP
3. I felt the book as a whole would have benefited from a wider discussion regarding the practical application of the gauge. 4. Overall I thought the instrument would probably be useful for controlled clinical trials where watertight precision measurements are required. However, its clinical use is limited by the fact that it does not measure muscle activity functionally. It would also be too time-consuming to set up one of these on a regular basis in a busy rehabilitation department. 5. I am asking myself if the authors and the manufacturers of the gauge are one and the same – it is not entirely clear one way or the other. David Grover MCSP Physiotherapy August 2003/vol 89/no 8