ABSTRACT

Guidelines are powerful instruments of assistance to clinicians capable of extending the clinical roles of nurses and pharmacists. Purchasers and managers perceive them as technological tools guaranteeing treatment quality. Guidelines also offer mechanisms by which doctors and other health care professionals can be made more accountable to their patients. But how can clinicians tell whether a guideline has authority and whether or not it should be followed? Does the law protect doctors who comply with guidelines? Are guideline developers liable for faulty advice? This timely book provides a comprehensive and accessible analysis of the many medical and legal issues arising from the current explosion of clinical guidelines. Featuring clear summaries of relevant UK US and Commonwealth case law it is vital reading for all doctors health care workers managers purchasers patients and lawyers.

part 1|24 pages

Health Disease and Care in the Community: Challenges and Dilemmas

chapter i|3 pages

Introduction

part 2|22 pages

Patients and Consumers

part 3|12 pages

Provision of Health and Medical Care: Systems, Structure and Service

part 4|32 pages

Health Economics

chapter i|14 pages

Economic Aspects of Health Care

chapter ii|17 pages

Health-Care Systems and Demands

part 7|20 pages

Data and Information Technology

chapter 8|8 pages

Education and Training

part 10|24 pages

Research

chapter i|7 pages

General Approach

chapter ii|5 pages

Sources and Resources

chapter iii|4 pages

Personal Experiences

chapter iv|8 pages

Practical Points

part 11|74 pages

Quality Assurance