The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7244 p519
12 April 2003

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An essential reference book for preregistration trainees and pharmacy students alike

'Pharmacy practice', 3rd edition, by Patricia Stone and Stephen J. Curtis. Pp xvii+355. Price £29.95. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2002. ISBN 0 85369 482 6

The latest edition of 'Pharmacy practice' will become an essential reference for pharmacy students and preregistration trainees. It will become synonymous with the all-embracing pharmacists' role as a health care professional. However, this was not my first impression as I was discouraged by the extensive glossary of abbreviations, and with trepidation I attempted to read the text. My concern was without foundation since the explanations within the text were more than adequate and generously supplemented with website addresses for further information where applicable.

The book is split into three parts, the first being medicines and the patient, where information ranges from product development to the role of the health care professional in both primary and secondary care. The introduction in this edition of a chapter devoted to primary care pharmacy was essential to make this a complete reference for pharmaceutical care providers.

The second section deals with management of resources, quality and audit. Here the problems associated with employment legislation are clearly explained. In addition the problems of standards of care and financial implications are explored.

The final section is an overview of health care organisation in the United Kingdom giving a breakdown of the structure of the National Health Service and the changes from its inception in 1948.

Because of the fluctuating nature of the NHS and the associated problems this poses for health care professionals, I believe this book will be invaluable to those who have little knowledge of these issues and also will encourage more active participation in developing pharmaceutical roles from those with a wider long-term experience of pharmacy.

Dawn Belcher