Top 20 choice for geriatric medicine | |
20 common problems in geriatrics. Alan M Adelman, Mel P Daly (editors). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001 (xvi + 432 pp). ISBN 0 07 000518 4. |
Adelman and Daly present a fascinating book on those aspects of the care of older patients likely to confront most general practitioners in Australia. Chapter authors include academics and practising clinicians from general practice as well as geriatric medicine, and the book clearly aims to give "hands-on" advice that translates directly to the consultation. Most chapters are replete with practical messages and useful algorithms that demonstrate the authors' experience. The two exceptions are the chapters on polypharmacy and nutrition that read more like uninspired literature reviews. Many chapters include sections on current controversies and common errors made by those who deal with the elderly, and this makes the book more stimulating to read than most textbooks. One difficulty with the book is that chapters include lists of contact addresses for further information which are all US based. Fortunately many of them include web sites. Picking a "Top 20" list in any area will lead to debate, but the editors of 20 common problems in geriatrics have made thoughtful choices. The inclusion of geriatric syndromes, such as gait and balance disorders, and the outstanding chapters on managing chronic illness, care at the end of life and caregiver issues are welcome, alone making the book worth the purchase price. These chapters will prove particularly useful to GPs coming to grips with the use of the new "Enhanced Primary Care" item numbers in the Medicare Benefits Schedule, and with the initiatives in chronic and complex care from state and federal governments to deliver holistic care to frail older patients. Gideon Caplan
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© 2001 Medical Journal of Australia