Practical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation succeeds admirably in its aim, as stated in the preface, to 'be a practical guide on how to perform HSCT and how to look after patients'. Its length and format result in an informative, down-to-earth and highly usable resource for all staff working in and around a transplantation unit.
One of the major strengths of this volume is the recognition of and the emphasis on the need for a multi-disciplinary team approach in the management of transplant patients. This is reflected both by the diverse expertise of the authors (doctors from a number of specialties, nurses, social workers and infection control teams) and by the way in which the subject matter is dealt with and pitched to be accessible to all members of the care team. In particular, chapters dealing with the day-to-day running of the unit, such as the prevention of infection, are filled with helpful advice on issues as diverse as microbiologically safe water, sterile diets and staff health. Likewise, the chapter focusing on the prevention of infections following discharge is impressive in its breadth and consideration of the questions that patients ask and how to advise them.
Overall, the book is well structured and thorough. It can be dipped into (and is well indexed) or read from cover to cover. The frequent use of tables and pictures and the decision to restrict references to the end of each chapter make this book very readable. A minor criticism is the mislabeling of a number of figures and an inaccurate representation of the HLA region. However, in general, errors are rare.
This book would be a valuable addition to the transplant ward library. In addition, it provides an excellent structure and manual on which to base the curriculum for the ongoing education programs for the staff on the ward.
