A diverse collection of contributors, reflecting the different professional perspectives in nurse prescribing, make up this accessible book. It provides an overview of the legal, professional, ethical and political contexts of nurse prescribing, and also the clinical risk issues, financial implications and roles played by project nurses and education establishments. The chapter on clinical diagnosis reflects all aspects of the current Nurse Prescribers' Formulary, with the exception of wound management. This is a surprising omission but could be because nurses commonly prescribe in this area and already have such information. The relationship between differential diagnosis and prescribing is clarified by effective photographs showing the common clinical features of selected conditions. A helpful inclusion is the explanation of NHS Executive Health Service Circular 2000/026 on the use of 'patient group directions' the term used when supplying and administering medicines under group protocol. This text is a useful supplement to the Department of Health publication. This very readable, handy little book offers a helpful exploration of current issues surrounding nurse prescribing for both new and experinced nurse prescibers. It has much to offer students undertaking extended nurse prescribing courses and future supplementary prescribing courses. The book is a good practical guide to the prescribing process, providing a sound evidence-based approach from consultation and diagnosis to the selection of appropriate treatment and management, including the ever-important element of health promotion. It is factual, its chapters concisely written and well organised. . Well referenced and many helpful sources for further information are offered throughout. The layout and presentation throughout is clear and easy to follow, useful aid to revision for examination or focal point for workshops or group work. A comprehensive back ground to legislation from beginning to the present day, informative to the legal and professional responsibility that go hand in hand with prescribing sensitive and ethical issues such as confidentiality, compliance and finance. Overall there is much to admire and recommend. The contributors are a team of professionals with acknowledge expertise, whoa are involved with the continuing development of nurse prescribing, and the book itself is edited by well known and highly respected author in the field.
