Review
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 12-MAY-10, Volume 303, Issue 18, Deborah I. Allen, MD, Department of Family Medicine, Bowen Research Center/Robert Long Hospital, Indianapolis, IN -- "The first edition of Primary Care Medicine was written more than 25 years ago by a group of young physicians who pioneered the rebirth of primary care medicine within the Harvard medical community; this sixth edition is edited by Allan H. Goroll and Albert G. Mulley Jr. The book has a long list of section editors and contributing writers, most of whom are affiliated with the Harvard medical system. "According to the editors, every chapter in this 1600-page book has been revised to include more images, tables, and bulleted lists. Practical recommendations that incorporate the best available evidence and clinical best practices are listed in an easily readable format at the end of every chapter. The book is written in a practical, complete, and straight-to-the-point design. This edition covers more than 200 of the chief complaints most commonly encountered in a primary care office. The book starts with a brief overview of primary care and an easily read review section on biostatistics and diagnostic tests. The book goes on to provide detailed sections discussing 14 organ systems but also discusses nonspecific common complaints such as fatigue and weight gain. "The system-based sections cover appropriate screening for the specific diseases affecting each system, followed by discussions of evaluation and management. Several sections also include individualized additions. For example, the "Respiratory Problems" section includes a "Smoking Cessation" chapter. One of my favorite features of this book is the annotated bibliography at the end of each section. "The book is intended to function not only as a reference tool for learners but also as a decision support tool for busy practitioners. This edition provides purchasers with access to the full searchable text online, so it can also be used as a Web-based electronic decision-making device at the point of care (purchasers of used copies cannot access the online edition). It is likewise an excellent reference for specialists devoting more of their time to primary care or who just want to brush up on a topic. I searched the online version and found it exceptionally easy to use. It will become one of my main reference sources in the office or for teaching students and residents. "Occasionally, readers will still want to pull out Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine if they are looking for more extensive discussion of biochemical details, genetics, or ongoing research on a particular topic. The Web site is new and is quite usable. I still prefer UptoDate because of its multiple cross-references for every topic and its patient education materials that I can easily print and hand to patients; however, compared with other primary care books written for use in the office at the point of care, Primary Care Medicine is the one to own."-Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
