Safer Lifting for Patient Care, 3d ed.

Safer Lifting for Patient Care, ed 3 Hollis M. Cambridge, MA 02142, Blackwell Scientific Publications inc, 1991, paperback, 222 pp, illus, $24.95.

The author's stated purpose is to train health care workers in the safe lifting of patients. Although the text has excellent photographs and illustrations, its British phrasing may present difficulties to the American reader. In addition, the book's small size, coupled with dense text explanations, make it an awkward training tool for unskilled lifters. it is useful, however, as a reference for the supervisor who must train others in lifting techniques.

The book is divided into three sections: basic biomechanics, aids to lifting, and the lifting techniques. The section on biomechanics offers clear explanations of such concepts as base of support, center of gravity, and momentum. The chapter "Selection of the Lift" presents an excellent series of questions that should be considered prior to moving or lifting any patient. No discussion or perspective, however, is offered on low back position during lifting.

Part 2, Aids to Lifting," is brief, but clearly illustrates a variety of mechanical aids along with instructions on their use. The last section describes a plethora of lifting techniques. Interestingly, the lift that is featured as the safest two-man lift, the shoulder lift, is also presented in chapter I as placing a maximum load to the back. This discrepancy is not addressed.

The bibliography is small, with the most recent reference dating back to 1987. The majority of sources are from the 1970s. Physical therapists may find this text useful as a reference in conjunction with a body mechanics training program, but I do not feel this book succeeds as a basic training manual.

Lisa Janice Cohen, PT Oak Forest Hospital Oak Forest, Ill