This is a picture dictionary-style book for anyone interested in the type of English language used in American hospitals. Arranged alphabetically, each of its 26 chapters is devoted to one letter of the English alphabet. the content of the images includes abbreviations, anatomy, clothing and personal hygiene, cultural trivia, descriptors, disease, equipment, food, medications, months of the year, numbers, procedures, shapes and signs. Each item is accompanied by a definition, phonetic spelling and sample sentence. Images are situated on one half of each page, with text on the other. an index in the back of the book can be used as a cross-reference tool and to help locate words quickly. Many of the phrases resemble those that may be encountered during classes or examinations for various healthcare occupations. It can be useful as a reference tool or exercise book by professionals as well as non-professionals. It is designed to be an introduction to hospital work and language for all levels of native and non-native speakers of English.

A monthly magazine of practical nursing, devoted to the improvement and development of the graduate nurse.

In response to a request by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), the Institute of Medicine proposed a study to examine definitions of serious or complex medical conditions and related issues. A seven-member committee was appointed to address these issues. Throughout the course of this study, the committee has been aware of the fact that the topic addressed by this report concerns one of the most critical issues confronting HCFA, health care plans and providers, and patients today. The Medicare+Choice regulations focus on the most vulnerable populations in need of medical care and other services-those with serious or complex medical conditions. Caring for these highly vulnerable populations poses a number of challenges. The committee believes, however, that the current state of clinical and research literature does not adequately address all of the challenges and issues relevant to the identification and care of these patients.