INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE, Fourth Edition, provides an easy-to-read introduction to the foundational skills necessary for a range of health care professions. This trusted text offers a comprehensive, yet highly accessible survey of both soft skills and basic clinical skills for those entering health care training programs or considering a career in health care. To prepare readers for the realities of modern practice, the authors emphasize core competencies required by all health care professions, including communication, infection control, and professionalism. The text features a strong focus on developing critical thinking skills ("thinking like a health care professional") through a five-step problem-solving model that includes assessing a situation, considering alternatives, choosing an appropriate alternative, evaluating the results, and revising as needed. This unique approach makes INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE, Fourth Edition, an ideal resource to help readers transition from simple memorization to effective application of professional skills in a real-world setting.

Part I: HEALTH CARE TODAY.
1. Your Career in Health Care.
2. Current Health Care Systems and Trends.
3. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities.
Part II: THE LANGUAGE OF HEALTHCARE.
4. Medical Terminology.
5. Medical Math.
Part III: THE HUMAN BODY.
6. Organization of the Human Body.
7. Structure and Function of the Human Body.
8. Growth and Development.
Part IV: PERSONAL AND WORKPLACE SAFETY.
9. Body Mechanics.
10. Infection Control.
11. Environmental Safety.
Part V: BEHAVIORS FOR SUCCESS.
12. Lifestyle Management.
13. Professionalism.
14. Lifelong Learning.
Part VI: COMMUNICATION IN THE HEALTH CARE SETTING.
15. The Patient as an Individual.
16. The Communication Process.
17. Written Communication.
18. Computers and Technology in Health Care.
19. Documentation and Medical Records.
Part VII: HEALTH CARE SKILLS.
20. Physical Assessment.
21. Emergency Procedures.
Part VIII: BUSINESS OF CARING.
22. Controlling Health Care Costs.
23. Performance Improvement and Customer Service.
Part IX: SECURING AND MAINTAINING EMPLOYMENT.
24. Job Leads and the Résumé.
25. Interview, Portfolio, and Application.
26. Successful Employment Strategies.
Appendix 1: Health Care Professional Organizations.
Appendix 2: Useful Spanish Expressions for Health Care Professionals.
Glossary.
References.
Index.

INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE, Fourth Edition, provides an easy-to-read introduction to the foundational skills necessary for a range of health care professions. This trusted text offers a comprehensive, yet highly accessible survey of both soft skills and basic clinical skills for those entering health care training programs or considering a career in health care. To prepare readers for the realities of modern practice, the authors emphasize core competencies required by all health care professions, including communication, infection control, and professionalism. The text features a strong focus on developing critical thinking skills ("thinking like a health care professional") through a five-step problem-solving model that includes assessing a situation, considering alternatives, choosing an appropriate alternative, evaluating the results, and revising as needed. This unique approach makes INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE, Fourth Edition, an ideal resource to help readers transition from simple memorization to effective application of professional skills in a real-world setting. Current health care challenges, such as the increasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease and continuing escalating costs of health care, have been added, along with the implications for future health care professionals. A new “Infection Control Content at a Glance” feature now appears in the front matter, providing a convenient reference for readers to consult when learning or reviewing this important material. The authors have added a Vital Signs Reference section to the opening material, enabling readers to locate information of interest throughout the text. An updated student workbook is available to accompany the Fourth Edition, with information and exercises aligned to chapter contents. “Thinking It Through” features help hone critical-thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging readers to apply key concepts from the chapter to address realistic workplace scenarios. “Suggested Learning Activities” and problem-solving practice features are presented in the end-of-chapter material to give readers opportunities to master key concepts through hands-on application. Each chapter opens with an engaging “The Case Of” feature presenting a relevant real-world practice example, and application exercises at the end of each chapter refer back to these opening examples to reinforce learning. Drawing on decades of professional experience in clinical and classroom settings, the authors provide valuable insights on vital topics often excluded from introductory books, including lifestyle management, lifelong learning, documentation, cost control, performance improvement, and customer service. Designed to equip readers for success in the classroom as well as professional careers, the text covers behaviors that will benefit individuals both in school and on the job, learning styles and study tips, the challenges of dealing with adult responsibilities while in school, and effective lifestyle management (staying healthy, managing time, and handling stress).