Five Patients
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
2 journalers for this copy...
From Ingram:
Michael Crichton takes a look at venerable Massachusetts General, giving firsthand accounts of five true and poignant cases which reveal the near-miraculous proficiency--and sometimes alarming inefficiency--of a major city hospital. A dramatic, behind-the-scenes tale from the author of Sphere.
Michael Crichton takes a look at venerable Massachusetts General, giving firsthand accounts of five true and poignant cases which reveal the near-miraculous proficiency--and sometimes alarming inefficiency--of a major city hospital. A dramatic, behind-the-scenes tale from the author of Sphere.
The book is on its way to minx2012. Enjoy! :)
Michael Crichton is one of those people I really hate.
He trained as a doctor (what I wanted to be when I grew up, once I'd got over being able to spell archaelologist). He's a fantastic writer (grrrr). He's co-creator and co-producer of, and medical adviser to, ER, possibly the best programme on television anywhere in the world.
I was introduced to his books and films through Jurassic Park, but really got into his work when it had a more medical flavour, as with the magnificent Coma and - of course - ER. So thanks, Tyressia, for giving me the chance to indulge myself a little more.
He trained as a doctor (what I wanted to be when I grew up, once I'd got over being able to spell archaelologist). He's a fantastic writer (grrrr). He's co-creator and co-producer of, and medical adviser to, ER, possibly the best programme on television anywhere in the world.
I was introduced to his books and films through Jurassic Park, but really got into his work when it had a more medical flavour, as with the magnificent Coma and - of course - ER. So thanks, Tyressia, for giving me the chance to indulge myself a little more.
A quick, and most illuminating, read.
Each chapter in this study of MGH kicks off with a look at one the titular five patients, before using their case as a springboard to examine various issues and/or procedures in the world of the hospital.
What's interesting is how much certain things have changed, stayed the same - or what changes were predicted - in the 35 years since Crichton wrote this study.
In particular: The fourth chapter is about how tele-doctoring and the use of computers looked as if they were going to revolutionise how people used the medical services. I guess in some respects we've actually come pretty close to some of the predictions Crichton made, what with the introduction of NHS Direct as a 24-hour online and phone service, and with the use of widescreen plasma TVs in surgery, giving medics a much clearer, magnified view of fiddly operations - but in other ways this chapter was as off the mark as those claims that we'd be on Mars by now. In theory, yes, but in practice there hasn't been the money, the technology has been used to explore other avenues, or the medical profession's reluctance to adopt new ideas and procedures has seriously impeded such ideas from becoming widespread.
Also interesting from the point of view of someone who's only ever used the NHS, and never had to pay more than government prescription rates and the cost of transport to and from wherever I've been treated.
Each chapter in this study of MGH kicks off with a look at one the titular five patients, before using their case as a springboard to examine various issues and/or procedures in the world of the hospital.
What's interesting is how much certain things have changed, stayed the same - or what changes were predicted - in the 35 years since Crichton wrote this study.
In particular: The fourth chapter is about how tele-doctoring and the use of computers looked as if they were going to revolutionise how people used the medical services. I guess in some respects we've actually come pretty close to some of the predictions Crichton made, what with the introduction of NHS Direct as a 24-hour online and phone service, and with the use of widescreen plasma TVs in surgery, giving medics a much clearer, magnified view of fiddly operations - but in other ways this chapter was as off the mark as those claims that we'd be on Mars by now. In theory, yes, but in practice there hasn't been the money, the technology has been used to explore other avenues, or the medical profession's reluctance to adopt new ideas and procedures has seriously impeded such ideas from becoming widespread.
Also interesting from the point of view of someone who's only ever used the NHS, and never had to pay more than government prescription rates and the cost of transport to and from wherever I've been treated.
Released on Monday, August 02, 2004 at phone box in car park behind Main Street in Keswick, England United Kingdom.
Go into the car park with the entrance just behind the Car's The Star Motor Museum, head for the phone box by the ticket machine nearest the back of the baker's, and it'll be there.
Go into the car park with the entrance just behind the Car's The Star Motor Museum, head for the phone box by the ticket machine nearest the back of the baker's, and it'll be there.
