Pre-operative Assessment – Setting A Standard Through Learning Ellen Janke University of Southampton 178pp plus CD Rom; £65

Abstract

This book was written through collaboration between the University of Southampton and the NHS modernisation agency. It focuses on the processes involved in effective pre-operative assessment with surgical patients. The chapters include: reasons to assess pre-operatively, cardiovascular and respiratory assessment, the airway, common conditions and planning of care. The chapters focusing on cardiac and respiratory assessment are particularly creditworthy. The text is easy to read and is presented in a logical and coherent format, with clearly identifiable titles, so that readers can quickly find the information they require. This book would be extremely useful to nurses working in pre-assessment clinics and surgical units. Owing to its specialist nature, and its price, I would not suggest nurses buy it; however, four copies have been distributed to each English trust.