4th edition. Enelow AJ, Forde DL, Brummel-Smith K. 216 pages. New York: Oxford Univ Pr; 1996. $18.95. ISBN 0195064445. Order phone 800-451-7556.
Field of medicine: General medicine.
Format: Softcover book.
Audience: Medical students learning how to take medical histories and experienced clinicians who remain students of medicine.
Purpose: The authors correctly claim that "effective interviewing is the key to inspiring the all-important feeling of trust and confidence in the clinician." Thus, the purpose of the book is to discuss an open-ended style of interviewing and data gathering.
Content: This edition incorporates new material, including chapters on pediatric histories. It is divided into 10 chapters and was written by three authors; two chapters were contributed by guest authors.
Highlights: Each chapter begins with "key points," which are useful bulleted highlights of the chapter's content. The Table of contents is well designed, and the short index is adequate.
Limitations: Only a few tables and diagrams are included. The references are satisfactory but not extensive.
Context: This book, which is primarily for medical students learning the principles of the medical interview, is a well-designed exposition of a crucial facet of the art of medicine and is suffused with wisdom and insight.
Reviewer: James J. Foody, MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
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