NURSEEDU(:ATIONTODAY 79

Measuring Healtb - A review of quality of life measurement scales Ann Bowling Open University Press 1991 2OOpp illus ISBN: 0-335-15436-O f 12.99

Measurement of health is an increasingly important aspect for many nurses. As the profession takes seriously the realities of informed, researched based practice, the need to have both qualitative and quanti- tative health measures increases. Ann Bowling’s book provides a review of over 50 such scales, organised under the following five headings; ‘The measurement of functional ability’, ‘Broader measures of health status’, ‘Measures of psychological well-being’, ‘Measuring social networks and social support’, and ‘Measures of life satisfaction and morale’.

In each review, the author includes a discussion of the ‘scale’ which usually covers its origins and intended application. This is then followed by a sample extract from the questionnaire and discussion on the content. Finally the author concludes with a critical analysis of the validity and reliability of the scale.

There are two introductory chapters one covering the conceptualization of health and the other the theory of measurement. These are well written and informative in their own right, although the section on validity has been over summarised and would be enhanced by the inclusion of examples. The book is an authoritative source for anyone involved in the measurement of health. The references allow the reader to follow up areas of interest and relevance by giving pertinent and original sources.

J~HNFOWLER BA RGN RMN DipN RCNT Cert Ed RNT

Beginning with Awareness - Facilitator’s Guide and Leprners Handbook Verena Tschudin Churchill Livingstone 1991 176pp + 124pp illus f40 + f14.95 PB

Beginning with Awareness is a package about developing self awareness and consists of a learners handbook and a facilitators guide which are intended for use in a workshop setting. The handbook may be used on its own although the most effective way of using the material would he in a workshop. The facilitators guide is designed for experienced people to lead a number of nurses through a series of reflection and experiential exercises. The topics in the handbook are related to the exercises in the guide which enables the user to develop self awareness techniques using group activities.

The handbook is presented in three sections and despite some rather vague illustrations and photo- graphs (which did not seem to relate to the text) was quite readable. The exercises range from the relatively

simple, e.g. observing objects to the more complex, which focus on dream analysis.

Overall the subject matter was thought provoking and some of the exercises were quite stimulating, however, in parts the exercises became abstract and appeared woolly. I found the biblical illustrations in the book difficult to understand and the use ofjargon rather bland and off putting, e.g. “Self awareness is a process leading to greater wholeness.”

The facilitators guide is designed in loose leaf form and consists of a series of exercises such as blind fold walk whose aim is to develop self awareness and build up trust in the participants.

The exercises are well presented, have clear aims, and include a comprehensive list of resources neces- sary to carry out the activities. The longer exercises contain a detailed rationale and allow ample time for discussion. There is also plenty of scope within the exercises for group discussion.

The guide has considerably more to offer teachers than the handbook, despite the fact that the handbook is said to stand alone as a learning resource. Self awareness is an important part of a nurse’s role in becoming an effective communicator and this package has much to offer nurses wishing to develop their interpersonal skills.

Material of this kind may however, be of more value to nurses in a workshop setting which is led by an experienced facilitator who can make best use of this somewhat specialised material.

JOHNCOSTELLO RMN Dip.N RGN RNT DPSN M.Ed

Reflective Helping in HIV & AIDS Eds C Anderson & P Wilkie Open University 1991 291pp ISBN: O-335-15631-2 f14.99 PB

Effective HIV care often involves a network of volun- tary and statutory bodies. The authors’ choice of the word ‘helper’ acknowledges this multi-disciplinary and multiagency approach, challenging hierarchies which may exist between client and helper, between different helpers and between helping agencies. A client centred approach is cogently set out.

The chapters on medical, psychiatric and epidemio- logical aspects of HIV are clear and accurate with good references at the end of each chapter, as there are throughout the book. This will be helpful as informa- tion on HIV and AIDS requires regular updating.

Helping people to cope with HIV and the needs of particular client groups are complex subjects which are well-covered in the main body of the text. The chapter on counselling and HIV antibody testing will be relevant to many nurses. The need for appropriate training, support and supervision of helpers is stressed.

The resources list ought to include Genitourinary Medicine Clinics. Otherwise, this is an excellent read-