This book is a welcome addition to the literature, covering as it does an area of practice which is fundamental to all clinical specialties, yet is rarely discussed and less still written about. Perhaps in this modern age of technology the importance of the medical consultation tends to be sidelined and there is a temptation to investigate before taking a detailed history. The author gives many helpful hints on establishing a diagnosis through careful history taking.

Perhaps the main benefit of the book however, is the emphasis on the medical consultation from the patient's perspective, with many intriguing insights into the therapeutic effect a caring and skilfully conducted consultation may have. It is a reminder to all busy hospital practitioners that time spent in this exercise is well spent.

The book is more than a guide to successful history taking. It also offers advice on a holistic approach to patient care. The author gives examples on maintaining high professional standards in, for example, letter writing and prescribing, and he also provides wise counsel about the general conduct and attitude of the consultant. There is a helpful chapter on private practice.

It is written in a very readable style, helped by the inclusion of chapter subheadings and 'bullet points'. Each of the 15 chapters is quite short and is liberally sprinkled with interesting quotations, which are well referenced.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and think any hospital doctor would benefit from reading it - as would their patients!

Reviewed by
Paul Stonelake
(Consultant Surgeon, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham)