Restoring Primary Care

Arguing that US primary care is in crisis, Kuzel (family medicine, Virginia Commonwealth U.) and Engel (behavioral sciences, Northeastern Ohio U.) outline a method to transform it by focusing on delivering better, quality care and efficiency through a patient-centered medical home. They recount stories of patients who have faced problems and harms in the healthcare system; review its basic design flaws; reconceptualize patient-centered care as relationship-centered care; describe the current movement in the US towards patient and relationship-centered care and stories of success; and outline a model of strategies for primary care practices that begins with their financial well being and involves team care, rapid access scheduling, population quality care work, and a focus on the costliest patients. The book is aimed at family physicians and general internists, health system leaders, healthcare insurance purchasers, and insurance company executives. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)