Health In The Community (Press, 6 June 1981)

The book "Primary Health Care and the Community," edited by J. G. Richards, was published by Longman Paul in 1981 and comprises 474 pages priced at $24.95. Reviewer's commentary by Frank Jepson highlights that the book, dedicated to New Zealand's general practitioners, serves as a compilation of insights from both medical professionals and sociologists concerning the social dimensions of healthcare. It aims to broaden the understanding of care currently practised in New Zealand, yet it is not intended as a manual on primary medical care. The book is structured into four main sections. The first section, titled "The Tools of Community Care," includes a noteworthy chapter by Laurence Malcolm from the Christchurch Health Planning and Research Unit, which discusses the evolution of services and team management concepts within communities. Subsequent chapters cover relevant subjects such as research, rehabilitation, screening, and the intersection of finance and medicine. The second section focuses on "Human Development and Community Care," where various topics are approached selectively. Issues such as abortion, child abuse, solo parenthood, and the challenges of caring for the elderly are examined. The third section addresses "Sexuality and Primary Care," presenting a more liberal perspective on sexual health, with authors sharing their personal viewpoints. Felix Donnelly's observations on the changing theories of counselling are particularly notable, indicating how perspectives on human nature can influence counselling approaches. The final section discusses "Social Issues and Primary Health Care," tackling subjects including alcoholism, drug abuse, societal attitudes towards the medical profession among the Maori community, and general health concerns. The book concludes with eight appendices that detail the organisation of statutory bodies, practice organisation, and medical ethics. Jepson appreciates the book for reminding readers of the humanitarian elements of healthcare, which can sometimes be overshadowed by the predominance of scientific approaches. He contrasts the book's emphasis on broader community care skills with ongoing discussions, such as those presented in the Reith Lectures, which view medical practice through a more insular lens. While acknowledging that not all aspects are covered—specifically the roles of voluntary societies and chronic illness, which significantly burden healthcare services—Jepson describes the compilation as a valuable resource. He concludes that the book will engage those within the health professions, as it provides insight into essential skills needed for effective community healthcare, rather than merely adhering to established practices.

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