Ethics in General Practice
Authors: Ann Orme-Smith and John Spicer
General Practitioners, whether they know it or not, are making decisions based on ethical judgements every day. Yet, the amount of formal teaching in ethics that doctors in training receive is, at best, minimal. In reality, there is little doubt that medical ethics cannot be learned from a series of lectures or from reading a book, in isolation. Clearly, the chance to discuss cases with colleagues, together with the ability to consult with an expert resource produces the best opportunity to learn more about this topic.
"Ethics in General Practice" written by Ann Orme-Smith and John Spicer, two General Practitioners, is subtitled "a practical handbook for personal development", and that is exactly what it is! Following an introduction, which lays a foundation in ethical principles, when applied to medicine, the book goes on to explore specific areas of medical practice and examines the ethical issues that arise.
There are chapters, which cover the usual topics of consent and confidentiality, but other issues such as terminal care, resource allocation and health (or disease) screening are also given rigorous ethical analysis. What I like most about this book is the format. The chapters are sub-divided into headings with example cases, followed by appropriate questions to provoke thought and discussion, and to enable readers to develop their own conclusions.
Although useful for individual reading, I believe that this book would best be used amongst groups of General Practitioners to facilitate debate on the ethical topics. Alternatively, the book could be used as a resource in the teaching of medical ethics to undergraduates or GP registrars.
Either way this book is well designed and well written and can be read in its entirety or used to dip into when required. I would recommend it for all doctors at any stage of training or experience.
| Publisher: | Radcliffe Medical Press
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| ISBN: 1-85775-328-3
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| Orders: | Telephone: 44 (0)1235 528820, E-mail: orders@radcliffemed.com
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| Reviewer: | Dr Adrian Boonin
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| Month of review: | September 2001
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