Reviews

Clinical negligence (fourth edition)

Edited by Michael Powers, Nigel Harris and Anthony Barton; produced by Tottel Publishing. Reviewed by Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, MPS Medicolegal Adviser

Taking account of recent statute and case law, it is an essential tool to anyone working in this field

This comprehensive book looking at the ever-changing subject of clinical negligence is an essential guide for anyone involved in this field, with contributions from 76 eminent legal or medical experts making this an unparalleled resource. Each chapter provides an authoritative insight into the subject matter discussed, and the topics range from the basics of negligence claims, through to risk management, the regulation of the medical profession and the main issues of clinical medicine.

Although aimed at those with an interest in the field, it is well written and caters for individuals with a limited knowledge of the subject. What makes this book so different is the incredible overview and range of topics covered. Often texts focus on the theoretical law, but Clinical Negligence gives a step-by-step guide of how to put theory into practice.

Taking account of recent statute and case law, it is an essential tool to anyone working in this field. Unfortunately, as with any text, it is impossible to be completely up to date in an ever-changing world, with notable absences of reference to the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 and the soon to be implemented Mental Health Act 2007.

Such a text would not be complete without an in-depth look at the civil procedures in relation to medical negligence claims. Doctors who find themselves the subject of a claim may find this a useful reference book to understand what happens behind the scenes and it could assist them in realising that such action is usually not intended to be a personal attack on their reputation or skill. Through these chapters there is also helpful information on the roles and responsibilities of expert witnesses and it takes the opportunity to look at notable cases such as that of Meadows.

Clinicians will also find the second part of the book, which looks at individual specialties, useful and interesting. Medical regulation, too, is a topic of general interest gaining increasing exposure in the medical press and this book tackles organisations involved in professional governance, the GMC and NCAS warranting a chapter contributed to by Sir Liam Donaldson and Professor Alastair Scotland.

Further, there is an emphasis on risk management and clinical governance, which is often lacking in other law texts. Although expensive, this is a well written, exhaustive text on clinical negligence recommended for anyone working in the field of medical law. Clinicians too will be impressed by this easy to read thorough guide and its contributions by distinguished peers.

Write effectively: A quick course for busy health workers

By Tim Albert
Published by Radcliffe Press
Reviewed by Dr Rachel Hooke, Medical Management Consultant

If you are a busy health professional who groans when asked to write something, this book is for you

This is a useful, practical reference guide and workbook written by a credible author with a wonderful sense of humour. If you are a busy health professional who groans when asked to write something, this book is for you. Effective writing is tailoring it to meet the needs of the target readers.

Do not be scared of the “red pen”; others’ corrections and suggestions are made in the quest for improvement. Understanding the process of effective writing is as essential as what is actually written. Pedants will enjoy this book, as the grammar, spelling and punctuation are correct. Not that you would expect any less from an author who is actually a writer – the two do not necessarily go together.

There are useful checklists at the back, covering topics such as parts of speech, confusion between British and American  expressions and unnecessary words. However, I feel that the author could have touched more on hyphenation, as some medical journals have definite house styles on this and it is confusing. It is reassuring to learn that Microsoft’s wiggly lines are not automatically gospel truth.

After reading this book, I hope I have managed to write this review effectively. You, my target readers, can be the judges of that.