Working in Health Care: What You Need to Know to Succeed.

Drafke MW. Philadelphia, PA 19103-1493, FA Davis Co, 1994, paperback, 213 pp, illus, $17.95.

The health care field has a great need for resource materials in "people" management and administrative functions. The text of this book deals primarily with theory in its aim to understand such important areas as health care and employee economics, principles of management, motivation, coping with change, and job satisfaction. The information addresses the book's intended audience, which is the supervisors and managers in health care settings.

It is difficult to expect this relatively brief paperback to be comprehensive and thorough as any one of these areas touched on could easily require an entire book by itself. But, as a handy resource with easy reading, this text has value. Despite some obvious references that appear somewhat biased, the author reveals a sound knowledge in what might be considered information vital to succeed as a supervisor or manager.

Among the more salient topics, leniency in performance evaluations is addressed from the viewpoint of being a disservice to both managee and manager; upper-level management knows these evaluations are worthless when everyone receives high marks. Further, decision making and problem solving require solid footing and confidence, with the elimination of "buck passing." These and other significant arenas given coverage are well-documented and rich in references. Each chapter begins with a short outline and objectives that are well-organized and lead to early anticipation of the material to be read.

Style and logic, along with clarity of expression, allow for the information to be presented in a succinct manner. Much of the subject matter can be read and absorbed quickly. The common-sense approach, with its orderliness, has a structure to it, and the use of current data encourages the reader to pursue the entire issue of the health care environment. Those physical therapists involved in daily supervision of providers of treatment and those making decisions that affect the operation of health care organization are likely to find marked relevance in this text. Also, the support staff, including office managers, administrative coordinators, and administrative supervisors, have a need for developing an expertise in this field.

Harvey Litofsky, PT Litofsky, Brager and O'Brien PA Owings Mills, Md

Mr Litofsky is president and chief executive officer of a group private practice and specializes in health care administration and business management.