David Miller, University of Glasgow

Ive started using this book a week before my Final MB OSCE and I now wish I had it when I started my clinical years. On the wards I find a good way to learn is if you see a case to read up about it later that day. Then everything you’ve seen in that case falls into place and you get a very logical grasp of that disease. However, I haven’t applied this approach to preocedures, for 2 reasons, ive dismissed them thinking “oh I don’t need to know that until I’m an FY1” but actually more because procedures like lumbar puncture central venous catheter insertion etc are not covered in my normal armoury of books. You might be surprised to find they are not covered in the big mainstream clinical examination books or if they are they are not explained in the instruction manual type way you need to perform these procedures. The only similar book I have used is the Oxford Handbook of Foundation Programme however, I found it fell down in procedures by lack of surface anatomy diagrams, assumed knowledge and simple explanation. I found this book, well laid out, back to basics with a step by step approach augmented with pictures as you go through the procedure. Increasingly OSCE’s are very clinical practice focused so expect to write up fluids, do 5 sutures, take blood cultures under aseptic technique, site an NG tube and aspirate a swollen joint on a model etc. At the end of the day you need to know it as a house officer and with the chance of it appearing in your clinical finals, you do well to make a start on grasping procedures as early as you can.. I should note, the procedure of chest drain insertion came up in out final MB written paper too so there not exclusively a clinically assessed skill. I really do recommend you have a look at this pocket book and start early in your clinical years of medical school to become familiar with these everyday procedures. At the end of the day come 1st of August for you final years, someone’s going to come paging you at 01:00 in the morning for a diagnostic tap on an patient with ascites, are you familiar with what tests your going to request the lab to run on your sample?

Posted 14th Feb 2010

Andrew Gough, University of Manchester

This book covers all the key procedures which could be expected from a foundation years doctors - all the procedures are well described and detailed enough to guide the reader confidently through any of the procedures. It could be argued that many books cover clinical procedures, and in particular the Oxford Handbook of Foundation Years, however what impressed me most about 'Clinical Practical Procedures for Junior Doctors' and what sets it apart from the rest besides its comprehensiveness are the numerous excellent illustrations and photographs and the tip boxes which provide invaluable advice! This book would also be of great use to medical students since it covers many of the procedures one could be expected to perform in an OSCE and of course is a worthwhile investment since it will become invaluable once you start work!

Posted 29th Jan 2010

Michael Wilson, Other

This is a cracking wee book! Contains detailed descriptions, diagrams and tips on how to perform. and more importantly to succeed in performing the most common practical procedures. This book covers everything from simple venepuncture to central line insertion. I wish this book had been around whilst I was a student. It is compact and portable, and will fit perfectly into anyone's bag. More importantly it does not skimp on any detail. Ideal for quick revision when the ward registrar / SHO offers to let you a do a procedure that you are not too sure how to perform. Every student should own this text, with no exceptions.

Posted 2nd Oct 2009

Cathryn Walker, Other

Very compact pocket sized book, ideal for a quick reference for procedures you are expected to undertake. Clear step by step how to do pictures and diagrams. Each procedure starts with an introduction to the rationale for the procedure and theory. Tip boxes give useful advice to make procedure easier. Complications are also listed. A valuable text no junior should be without.

Posted 28th Sep 2009

Donna Pilkington, University of Manchester

This is a really great little pocket sized book. Slim and light weight, compact and with a plastic cover to make it easy to keep clean. I would highly recommend it to medical students as it will be a great aid to learning all those invasive procedures for exams. The book is well written and useful. It covers all the practical procedures that you will be expected to learn as a medical student and perform as a junior doctor. The diagrams are excellent and show the relevant anatomy. There are great images showing land marks on the skin and photographs showing you what the equipment looks like. The chapters are well laid out and cover the procedures in headings such as indications , contraindications, equipment, practical procedure and post procedure investigations. There are also useful highlighted tip boxes that are incredibly useful. A great little book that will be of use to medical students and junior doctors alike. Highly recommended.

Posted 16th Sep 2009

Camille , Other

This is a neat little book with a protective cover, encouraging use on the wards. I would recommend this to medical students starting firms as it has good explanations of basic procedures. There are a few procedures that would be useful for junior doctors too if they have not covered them during student years, but I would not wait until qualification to buy it. The text is well structured with headings such as tips, contraindications, equipment needed and complications. The clear anatomical pictures aid understanding. There is no superfluous information; the brief historical facts that preceed each chapter are an interesting, original addition to the main text. Though not specifically written with this purpose, I beleive this is one of the best publications available for those preparing for medical school exams and PBL involving explaining procedures.

Posted 8th Sep 2009