We were so thrilled that three JKP titles were honoured at the prestigious
2011 BMA Medical Book Awards, which took place on Wednesday, 14th September
at BMA House in Tavistock Square, London.
JKP commissioning editor Steve Jones attended the awards ceremony and was joined by JKP authors Ilona Roth, Liz Hoggarth, Hilary Comfort and Tony White, whose books each received the distinction of “Highly Commended” and were nominated for first prize in their respective categories.
All nominated books were reviewed by a select group of doctors and educators. Here are some more details about the books, along with some comments from the judges:
A Practical Guide to Outcome Evaluation
Liz Hoggarth and Hilary Comfort
Highly Commended – Health and Social Care Category
‘This is an unusually successful book with one typically germane phrase in the introduction: “We hope that you will find some sections of this material that specifically answer the questions you are faced with in evaluating your work. Dip into the material for something you need or work through it systematically, Use it for reference, Make it work for you.”
It’s particularly relevant at an especially innovative time in health care.’
The Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century – Exploring Psychology, Biology and Practice
Ilona Roth with Chris Barson, Rosa Hoekstra and Greg Pasco and Terry Whatson
Highly Commended – Popular Medicine Category
‘This book is well-researched and provides clear, impartial and accurate knowledge of many facets of the autism spectrum. Its language is very accessible. The book was designed as a self-contained volume for a variety of readers, not necessarily with any scientific or specialist knowledge, either “as part of an education programme or for general interest and self-directed study” or as a module in the Open University. The book is written by Open University academic staff in association with a number of professional in the autism field and covers a wide range of topics, clearly showing the multidisciplinary nature of the field. To encourage active participation and adult learning, each chapter section has a summary of key points and at the end of each chapter is a list of learning outcomes and self-assessment question, and comments/suggested answers on these areas are nicely places at the end of the book. The important words and concepts are written in bold and this together with exercises, learning outcomes and questions, enhances the value of the book even for those pickling it up out of interest rather than as part of a study as it provides a useful summary and worked examples.’
Working with Suicidal Individuals – A Guide to Providing Understanding, Assessment and Support
Tony White
Highly Commended – Psychiatry Category
‘This is “must” reading for the different practitioners who work with person who do self harm. Provide an theoretical and practical introduction to the type of personality who do self harm or are suicidal … This book presents and comprehensive quantitative and qualitative suicidal risk assessment and describes valuable management strategies both in how to manage people with suicidal and pseudo-suicidal behaviour. It’s easy-to-read and understand provided with illustrations and case studies for better understanding. In my opinion this book fills the gap in the current literature addressing suicide and self-harm behaviour.’
It’s always a pleasure to attend the BMA Awards, partly as an opportunity to catch up with authors in the illustrious interior of BMA House, but also to hear about new outstanding medical books being published and to enjoy the buffet which never fails to impress (white chocolate, cherry and lavender tart was a particular hit this year)!
Another highlight of the night was the keynote address from President of the Royal College of Pathologists Dr Suzy Lishman, FRCPath who – as well as gamely posing for all of the award photographs – gave a compelling keynote laying out the case for public understanding of medical science in general and particularly the work of pathologists. Contrary to public opinion, not all pathologists are “CSI-style” forensics but form the backbone of health care, carrying out tests on blood samples, pregnancy tests and so on – over 70% of all diagnoses made in the NHS.
We’d like to offer our congratulations and thanks to all nominated authors who worked so hard to write the books – I know we’re already looking forward to next year’s BMA Awards!
Copyright © Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2011.