Guide to Health Informatics

Book excerpt: Hodson and Geddes' Cystic Fibrosis provides everything the respiratory clinician, pulmonologist or health professional treating patients needs in a single manageable volume. This international and authoritative work brings together current knowledge and has become established in previous editions as a leading reference in the field. This fourth edition includes a wealth of new information, figures, useful videos, and a companion eBook. The basic science that underlies the disease and its progression is outlined in detail and put into a clinical context. Diagnostic and clinical aspects are covered in depth, as well as promising advances such as gene therapies and other novel molecular based treatments. Patient monitoring and the importance of multidisciplinary care are also emphasized. This edition: Features accessible sections reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the cystic fibrosis care team Contains a chapter written by patients and families about their experiences with the disease Includes expanded coverage of clinical areas, including chapters covering sleep, lung mechanics and the work of breathing, upper airway disease, insulin deficiency and diabetes, bone disease, and sexual and reproductive issues Discusses management both in the hospital and at home Includes a new section on monitoring and discusses the use of databases to improve patient care Covers monitoring in different age groups, exercise testing and the outcomes of clinical trials in these areas Includes chapters devoted to nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, and palliative and spiritual care Throughout, the emphasis is on providing an up-to-date and balanced review of both the clinical and basic science aspects of the subject and reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the cystic fibrosis care team.