Counselling and Communication in Health Care

Counselling and Communication in Health Care Edited by Hilton Davis and Lesley Fallowfield, The London Hospital Medical College, London, UK Modern medical treatment can be an unpleasant, dehumanizing experience. The authors of this work believe that coupling the available high–technology with solid counselling and communication forms a basis for the best physical and psychological care of patients. Contributors illustrate the types of patients that might benefit from counselling and suggest potential strategies for assistance. Counselling tactics are discussed for patients: with chronic illnesses—such as diabetes and renal disease; with severe disfigurement; or with disabling conditions such as brain and spinal injury or multiple sclerosis. Infertility, genetic counselling, paediatrics and neonatal intensive care, cancer and heart disease are also covered. Counselling and Communication in Health Care will provide the health professional—clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, physician, medical student, nurse— with a better understanding of counselling and its application in a variety of medical settings. Contributors Helen Bender Paul Bennett Jack Cadranel Hilton Davis Aleda Erskine Lesley Fallowfield Roy Goulston Tony Hobbs Paul Kennedy Keith Nichols Shirley Pearce Nichola Rumsey Julia Segal Paula Shaw Richard Shillitoe Fiona Stewart Andy Tyerman John Weinman