Few specialties are as exacting as critical care; the holistic complexity of the patient with multi-system dysfunction, the out-of-hours commitment, the often stressful and highly charged situations requiring considerable agility of brain and hand, and the continuing evolution, and occasional revolution in perceived 'best-practice' place major demands on intensive care unit staff. Decision making at the bedside should ideally be systematic, problem-oriented and based upon sound pathophysiological principles, and rapid access to up-to-date information is necessary.
The Oxford Textbook of Critical Care is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary text aimed at fulfilling these requirements, covering all aspects of intensive care management. The traditional chapter layout of a textbook has been abandoned in favour of system-oriented sections. Each section is sub-divided into short topics grouped within the section according to clinical problems, and 2-colour diagrams and illustrations throughout the text will aid clarity. The Oxford Textbook of Critical Care is an international text, and balanced views are given where international differences exist. It will be an indispensable companion for all those who deal with critically ill patients.