The Behavioral Sciences and Health Care. (2nd edition), 2007
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REVIEW -- SAHLER / The Behavioral Sciences and Health Care, 2nd Edition.
Hogrefe & Huber Publishers, 2007, $49.00.
[AUTHOR]
Sahler, Olle Jane Z., MD; Carr, John E., PhD
[BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA]
ISBN: 978-0-88937-307-5, 512 pages, soft cover.
[DOODY'S NOTES]
[REVIEWER'S EXPERT OPINION]
Marie A Dewitt, MD(Rush University Medical Center)
**Description**
This compact book, organized according to Institute of Medicine themes, discusses
the importance of integrating the behavioral, social, and biological
sciences in approaching health and pathology. This is an update to the original
text that was published in 2003.
**Purpose**
The second edition successfully presents information about the various social,
biological, and psychological approaches that comprise the behavioral
sciences and are essential to a complete understanding of health, wellness,
and illness.
This edition includes updated material and additional chapters on stress and
adaptation, aging, palliative care, risk behaviors, clinical education,
health literacy, and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender healthcare issues.
**Audience**
Written by qualified members of the Association for the Behavioral Sciences
and Medical Education, this is intended as a text for medical and other
students and trainees. It would best serve graduate or professional students
in medical, public health, social work, and other health sciences disciplines.
It is
essential for training programs that seek to teach the multifaceted aspects
of healthcare. Individual chapters or sections may also be appropriate for
more specific classes (e.g., undergraduate courses in gerontology) or populations
(e.g., medical residents).
**Features**
The book is exceptionally well organized into thematically based sections with
questions listed at the beginning of each chapter, clearly defined
subsections within chapters, and recommended readings and questions with answers
at the conclusion of each chapter. Appendixes provide a more in-depth
discussion of basic epidemiology and biostatistics. A comprehensive index follows
a USMLE-style practice test with answers. The topic matter covered is
notably diverse. Future editions might be enhanced by including discussions
on disabilities as well as occupational and organizational health.
**Assessment**
This updated and enriched edition is an indispensable contribution to understanding
an approach to healthcare that appears simple but in actuality is
frequently more complex than appreciated. The organization allows for easy use
in the teaching setting and would be most beneficial in this context.
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Weighted Numerical Score: 96 - 4 Stars!