Book Review
Knowledge to care: a handbook for care assistants
Christine A. McMahon and Joan Harding
ISBN: 978-0632035854; 1994; 267 pages; Blackwell Science Inc;
Cath Jones
University of South Australia, Adelaide SA
This book has been specifically written for care assistants working under the direction of registered nurses and performing non-invasive bodily care tasks. Written in the UK it reinforces and is cross-referenced (Appendix) to units of competence required of care assistants by the UK National Occupational Standards for Care. It sets out to provide a body of core knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, human behaviour, communication, universal precautions and the normal activities of daily living which underpin the provision of non-invasive, safe and comfortable care for an adult, child, newly delivered mother and babe who have self-care deficits. It also covers culture, sexuality and bereavement sensitively and generally. The text is both readable and easy to understand.
It is well designed and its information is current. It provides numerous opportunities for reader participation, in activities which draw on present knowledge and experience. Reference to extension reading is also provided. The book does not provide specific sections on ageing and aged care or on care of people with disabilities or intellectual handicap; In this it may be rejected for established Australian courses for care attendants as a text, since so much of care attendant work in this country is centred in these areas. Added to this, being UK oriented, Australian equivalents in health care provision would have to be accounted for by RNs or trainers using the text in the classroom. Altogether a useful smaller book on fundamental care of the client with a self-care deficit.
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