By way of a confession I have a robust aversion to volumes on the shelves of the self-help section. I am sure the best among us practising GPs are well versed in the books that provide the most helpful guidance to our patients. Though after long days engaged in providing advice in surgery, I am more inclined to dive into a novel (or a Netflix box set).
I am thankful then to Dr Ellie Cannon for sending me this book. The book’s comprehensive chapters are heavily imbued with her own brand of infectious enthusiasm for sorting out work-related health issues. The sections are readable and guide us through the various aspects of physical and mental health problems that can arise from unhealthy occupational environments. There is a welcome tendency to blur the lines between conditions in the pathology textbook (such as high blood pressure) and those that are plain common sense (such as relationship breakdown). Quite rightly there are several references to the right kinds of talking therapy, which (not for the first time) had me feeling bristly about the shameful lack of access our patients have to these therapies in practical terms.
However, as the book continues into later chapters on seeking help and recovery, there are multiple suggestions on ways in which patients can help themselves and a well-balanced view on what medication has to offer. In addition, laying out clearly the rights of employees and the responsibilities of employers will, I am sure, be empowering for large numbers of patients regularly crossing the consulting room threshold.
This book really does read like a pleasingly well-structured GP consultation. I am therefore quite happy to recommend the second addition to the Cannon canon (apologies) to those GPs who have patients who are struggling. What is more, in these times of strife for general practice it may well be sound advice, for those of us who are also under the cosh of work-related pressures, to make time to leaf through a copy.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2018
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