Nunr Edumlim Tcdq (1993) IS, 237 0 Longman Group UK Ltd 1993

BOOK REVIEWS

WORK

Knowledge for Nursing Practice Kate Robinson & Barbara Vaughan ButterworthIHeineman 1992 236pp illus ISBN: 0 7506 0414 X

Nursing knowledge has witnessed a phenomenal explosion during the past decade and continues una- bated. The nature and relevance of this knowledge base has been of concern to many within the profes- sion and it is refreshing to find a text which takes a critical stance.

The text reviews sources of professional knowledge and offers a short debate on the nature of nursing knowledge. There are six short chapters on perspec- tives including moral, historical and psychological perspectives and these are then related to the use of knowledge in practice. The book concludes by discuss- ing future issues in relation to nursing knowledge. The reader will find this a stimulating and eminently readable text and the authors have made a valuable contribution to a debate which can only intensify as nurses appraise more critically dimensions of practice relevant knowledge. This text has much to offer nursing practitioners and educationists both for its content and style and should appeal to both groups.

DAVID O’BRIEN

BA BSC(Hons) RGN OHNC PGCE RNT

Primary Health Care & Psychiatric Epidemiology Brian Cooper & Robin Eastwood Rougledge 1992 illus ISBN: 0 415 07073 2 f50.00

This is an edited selection of contributions to an international symposium, arranged by the World Psychiatric Association’s Section of Epidemiology and Community Psychiatry, held in Toronto in June 1989. It includes 23 papers on a wide range of epidemiologi- cal issues ranging from psychiatric diagnosis in gen- eral practice to late-life mental disorders and primary health care. As such, it includes a wealth of vital and up to date information that anyone who is studying in the psychiatric field will find useful.

This is clearly not a book to be read through at one (or more) sittings. Instead, it is one that can be referred to again and again as support material for essays, research projects and for teaching plans. It deserves a

place in the library of any college of nursing or health. Anyone doing a degree or postgraduate course in psychiatric nursing is likely to find it useful. Unfortu- nately, the book’s price will rule it out as a personal buy for most people. As a reference volume, though, it will prove indispensable. It is well presented and well bound.

PHILIP BUKNARD

PhD MSc RN DipN Cert Ed RNT

Letting go and Living Yvonne Bostock St Columba’s Hospice 1991 128pp illus ISBN: 0 9518143 0 3

This is a fascinating and inspiring story of St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh. The preface declares that many people in the City not only know and value their local Hospice but it has been in the forefront of the modern hospice movement in Britain following the pioneering work of Dame Cecily Saun- ders who founded St Christopher’s Hospice in London.

This short book celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s first Hospice and provides an insight into the hopes and aspirations of committed individuals who pioneered the development. The first three chapters describe the early years and summarise the challenge faced by key contributors to the development.

The remarkable achievements of the past decade and the hopes and aspirations for the future are discussed with a style that does not dramatise but yet conveys the essence of the struggles for quality care. The patients and their families emerge with dignity and the triumph of hope and confidence over doubts and fear is described with clarity and sensitivity. Death no longer seems a hopeless end and a fearful expec- tation.

This is a book that gives meaning to care at its most holistic and individualised. For an understanding of the hospice movement and the courage and commit- ment of those who serve the patients, this book is a welcome addition to the nursing library.

CYNTHIA AKINSANYA

RGN RM RFN DN CERT DNT RNT PGCEA

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