|  It probably helps to have some knowledge of medical law before making
use of this book. Though a slim (and expensive) volume, with large print,
it is saturated with legal footnotes, case law and legal concepts that
might be unfamiliar and worrisome for the uninitiated reader. Nevertheless,
there is no doubting that this book constitutes a comprehensive, thorough
and up-to-date reference work, bringing together a range of topics of
value to the clinical researcher probably not available elsewhere. The
fast-moving nature of law in this area is recognised by a companion website
on medical law and research (www.MedResLaw.com) which, on subscription,
will provide quarterly updates. The authors field an impressive range
of practical experience and formal expertise to maintain currency.
The nine chapters represent an eclectic choice of subjects in a rather
unexpected order: chapter one sets a negative mood by focusing on liability
and indemnity insurance and is followed by the familiar (to pharmacists)
subject of licensing. “Basic” medical law concepts such as
confidentiality, consent — in “normals”, children and
vulnerable patients or populations — then follow. A chapter on
negligence is good but surely works better near to liability and indemnity.
Two thought provoking chapters on misconduct in medical research and
the perils of publication complete the work.
Joy Wingfield
|
The
Pharmaceutical Journal