Our friends at STM Learning are back with a new book giveaway for FHO readers. Details on how to enter and what other special offers are available to readers after the jump:
This month’s giveaway is the Child Fatality Review Quick Reference (normally $55). In order to be eligible, just answer STM’s question:
What factors motivate you or your institution to buy a medical reference book (e.g.cost? Shipping cost, reputation of authors and contributors)? What other things factor into the decision? And when do you decide to invest in the newer edition if you already own the previous version?
One winner will be chosen randomly from the group of responses that answer the question in its entirety ( I know, we’re making you work for this one a bit). You have until September 6th, noon ET to enter. Non-US readers are also encouraged to enter.
And for those of you interested in a more comprehensive text, STM Learning is also offering FHO readers 25% off on Alexander and Case’s hefty Child Fatality Review (with or without a CD-ROM with case studies and slide presentations, your choice). Just enter the discount code FHO811 at checkout.
10 replies on “Book Giveaway: Child Fatality Review”
The factors that motivate us to purchase particular books, is firstly to be aware of their existence, that they are current and that they are related to our work. While price is definitely a factor, it is more about the book’s usefulness to enhancing our work. Given that child death reviews is one part of our core business, books in relation to this topic, as well as general books in relation to child safety and protecting children are books that we are likely to purchase. We do look at those authors who are prolific writers in this particular specialised and important field, however we also consider the work and perspectives of a range of authors from different disciplines. If the previous version of a book was well used by more than one worker and there was a general consensus that an updated version was useful, then it would be purchased.
Purchase of medical reference books in our department is largely based on relevance. If it is a reference that offers easy access to relevant and necessary information, then cost and shipping issues are irrelevant. We rely on recommendations from other members of our community (meaning other SANEs, other nurse managers, other trauma coordinators, other ED physicians) as well as contact we have made at conferences and workshops. If we have had a good experience with a particular author then that would led credence to a purchase as well. Once we find a reference that we really like and use often, then buying the newer version depends on the type of information it contains. References that contain subjects that change or add new information frequently are updated with each new version, while refences that contain more “fixed” information are not.
I am the Coordinator for a suburban SANE program in Central Texas. We are employees of the hospital and for me, having current, evidence based, reference matterial is a must. I generally make my choice using the following guidelines:
1. Established reputation within the medical forensic communitiy
2. Pricing
3. Universal practice elements based and tested on current practices by both SANE’s and Physicians
4. Authors and/editors are not exclusively Nurses or Doctors.
5. Photos, Photos, and more Photos!
Factors that influence the purchasing of books – books that have relevant information for our organisation. We ensure that reference books are current. Pricing is a factor, but when you consider the number of staff who can access the book – the relevance is more important. Books that can be used for research are also highly considered.
I am initiating a Forensic Nurse Program at my rural Emergency Department. My vision for this program is to encompass the prevention/education for the community, care of the abused patient as well as comprehensive discharge planning. This is a huge undertaking as we have little funding available and little administrative support. I am trying to justify the cost of reference materials for next year’s budget. Our typical reference materials are chosen by relevance to practice, cost and best practice standards. Reference books that cover a broad spectrum rather than very specific are preferred. I appreciate reviewing the answers to this question for consideration when choosing what we will be purchasing for next year.
Current evidence based materials are a must. Also examples of forms and policies included in materials is very helpful. What is nice is to have the materials on CDs also so if one is traveling or wanted to share information CDs are the way to go.
To be complete in answering the question, if a book is chosen as part of our library, unless it is totally not useful we invest in the most recent edition.
Current research/education is a must. We need to continually keep up with the latest science.
Because we practice as SANEs in a rural setting, reference books are valuable as resources when we don’t have an expert we can consult.
The most important factor is , will the staff find it useful enough that they will use it? Is it easy to navigate to find a quick answer? If the price is high we stamp our feet and swear we absolutely must have it to make a difference in patient care…and then need to walk the talk….so we choose carefully. Other factors include durability ( which may sound silly but if it’s going to fall apart after a week of being tossed around it….) and absolutely must be evidence-based. We upgrade if it is a book that has proven useful and we know that the new version contains new information and not just a new cover….thanks!