Physiotherapy in Respiratory Care: An Evidence-Based Approach to Respiratory and Cardiac Management, ed 3.

Hough A. Cheltenham, Glouscestershire, United Kingdom, GL53 7TH, Nelson Thornes Ltd, 2001, paperback, 560 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7487-4037-6, $39.

The goal of this book is to provide physical therapist clinicians, educators, and students with a book that discusses respiratory care in a manner that integrates theory and practice, provides explanations that are referenced and physiologically sound, and describes techniques in detail. The author intends the book to be used by experienced clinicians as well as students because "problem-solving requires thinking rather than experience."

The content of the book follows a traditional pattern (ie, an overview of pulmonary physiology and pathology followed by pulmonary examination and interventions). The title of the book suggests that the coverage of material on the management of patients with cardiac conditions will be similar. This, however, is not the case. Instead, the author provides the reader with information on the management of respiratory conditions for patients with cardiac conditions as well as several other conditions (eg, neuromuscular disorders and systems failure) that may be present in patients in the intensive care unit.

The book is very well referenced, including the information on physiology, pathology, examination, and treatment techniques. Each chapter contains a list of recommended readings for further study. In addition, the book has several features worth noting. A series of "Mini Literature Appraisals" can be found at the end of each chapter and throughout the text. This feature extracts a clip of a published report related to the chapter or to the issue under discussion and then provides an insightful appraisal and helpful comments regarding the information.

A second significant feature is the use of "Mini Case Studies," which can be found at the end of each chapter. These "Mini Case Studies" are followed by a response to the case that includes, as appropriate, an analysis, problem list, precautions, goals, plan of care, and so on.

A third feature of the text is the provision of examination and treatment suggestions for patients who are at a variety of different functional levels. The suggestions include safety issues and guidelines with precautions, complications, and exceptions. A glossary provides clear definitions of terms and abbreviations, symbols, and values. The appendixes include a "Transatlantic Dictionary," a list of patient and practitioner resources, and a list of references on outcome measures for pulmonary rehabilitation.

Brad Stockert, PT, PhD
University of the Pacific
Stockton, Calif

Dr Stockert is an Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy where he teaches in the professional physical therapy and pharmacy programs.