Groups: A Guide to Small Group Work in Healthcare, Management, Education and Research

Small group work is increasingly being used in education, management and research, probably because work in small groups allows more reflection and discussion prior to action. Many of us are already involved in small groups, which may be professional e.g. the practice multi-disciplinary team, social e.g. a fund raising committee or educational e.g. GP revalidation group.

This book, with its wonderfully descriptive (but probably overlong) title, is a handbook for group working. It starts with a definition and a description of what constitutes a small group and goes on to cover virtually all that one would wish to know about the formation, facilitation and evaluation of groups. In addition to the traditional aspects of group work (forming, storming, etc), there are chapters on specific aspects of group working e.g. problem-solving groups and the pros and cons of virtual groups. Education features prominently and evidence is presented to support the effectiveness of group work in higher education.

Although over 300 pages long, this book is easily readable being widely interspersed with case studies, examples, tables and illustrations. Of specific interest to me were the sections on dealing with "difficult" group members and on how to resolve conflict within a group. In addition, I found the short section on the effective use of a flipchart, and the examples of ice-breaking exercises particularly useful.

This is an excellent, well-researched and well-written book with a wide general appeal, although I feel that it would be particularly appealing to those involved in healthcare education and healthcare management.

Publisher:	Radcliffe Medical Press
	ISBN: 1-85775-400-X

Price:	£27.50

Reviewer:	Dr Adrian Boonin

Month of review:	February 2002