The Complete Subjective Health Assessment

Reviewed by Kathleen Walters, Faculty-Health Information Management (HIM), Lane Community College on 1/14/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Given subjective health assessment is the focus, the material was inclusive of this part of health history. Mention (or comparing and contrasting) of objective assessment for distinction could be considered. The glossary was limited and could include more content covered particularly from chapter two. Overall content was very suitable for any nursing curriculum.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

No errors detected in content. Relevance of content presented adhered to the table of contents and learning outcomes. References were only listed after chapter two re: mental health. Including other additional reference resources for content could benefit the reader to embellish learning.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Copyright date is 2019 and with changes in population health, societal and demographic changes, perhaps an update might benefit the cultural content to include current pedagogical equity lens considerations. Future technological advancements may be considered to include tele-health and conducting virtual and remote questioning in assessments for future editions. The health care professional performing health assessments, over time, may necessitate subsequent editions.

Clarity rating: 5

Subjective assessment is paramount in health care. The process to yield data to provide evidence-based care was clearly presented. Learning in a concise way to obtain a patient's health history is a very complicated task. Devotion to just the client's point of view consisting of symptoms, feelings, perceptions and concerns was clearly presented. This text is suitable for the post-secondary audience.

Consistency rating: 4

Chapter two was the bulk of the text and the variety of subtopics was well thought out with video clips and tables to vary instruction. Loved the PQRSTU assessment and reference to "door handle conversation" relative to the hesitancy a patient has to share until they are about to leave. The health promotion subtopic had a great "take action" part which strengthened the content. The mental health and illness table with questions and considerations is a great resource for a delicate area of personal health. The structure and flow of content throughout was paced and well-presented.

Modularity rating: 4

The text has only one reference which I commented on in accuracy. Consequently, the text seems to be self-referential. The organization is clear and would not disrupt the learning of a sequential reader. The table of contents is clear and defines each of the four chapters and subtopics.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Each chapter, appendices and glossary were clearly presented. I suggest under the learning outcomes, that had five clear expectations to be achieved by the end of the book, that these outcomes be reinforced in a summative activity after chapter 3. Chapters two and three had reflective questions however, chapter one did not. There was a key takeaways paragraph at the end but did not give justice to the content of the book and lacked more detail as a summary. Lastly, some type of end-of-chapter exercises could be considered: e.g., chapter review (m/ch, matching, fill-in and or apply your knowledge questions).

Interface rating: 4

Points of consideration, figures, tables, test yourself activities, clinical tips and take action features had smooth and accurate functionality. The legend at the beginning of the book helped defined the various learning and teaching strategies.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The presentation of information is sequential and organized. The font and typeface, layout of tables, figures, videos are user friendly and visually appealing.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

I was glad to see chapter three-"Cultural Safety and Care Partners," that delved further into cultural health (a subtopic in chapter two). It was refreshing to see the "dominant culture structures" concept defined as to avoid exclusion. The table listing both the self-reflective questions with rationale to create a safe space was well-developed. However, the reflective questions at the end of chapter three spoke to cultural safety but lacked application to the specific content of cultural safety.

Overall, I found it interesting that a specific "subjective" health assessment text was developed. As a nurse, it was always a challenge to teach the distinction between objective and subjective assessment regarding documentation: subjective, objective, assessment, plan (SOAP). I particularly liked the appendices (comprehensive) that addressed screening and interview questions to elicit the practical application of conducting a subjective health assessment. This resource is a fine complement to any physical examination and overall health assessment course.

Reviewed by Vanessa Newman, Adjunct Faculty, Rogue Community College on 8/10/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Each section of a subjective health assessment was addressed with information, charts, some illustrations and videos demonstrating techniques. The sections were manageable but contained valuable information and opportunities to conduct self-checks or ponder self-reflective questions.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not find any grammatical or factual errors. Great attention was paid to avoid bias and offer suggestions for health professionals to do so as well. The points to consider boxes often encouraged how to address bias or how to phrase something to be sensitive to the client's needs.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Language, information, examples and the videos were all relevant. It would be quite easy to replace a video or add a section the way the course is currently organized. I liked that good examples were offered before examples of incorrect methods.

Clarity rating: 5

Clarity was this books strength. From the table of contents to the last section, headings, sub-headings and all contained information was clear. A couple of phrases seemed oddly worded for example. "Have you experienced a loss in your life or a death that is meaningful to you?." I might have preferred "or a death that had particular significance for you"...

Consistency rating: 5

I knew what information or section was likely to come next by the overall structure of the book. The points of considerations and self-checks were immensely helpful and provided a comfortable structure. It was easy to follow and digest.

Modularity rating: 5

Having to go back to the content section to move on to the next section was key in making the book and all of its material feel manageable. Each section was short but packed a punch with relevant information. Self-checks and reflective questions and videos also assisted the modularity tremendously.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book followed the organization of an actual health assessment, so it was logical and chronological. All material was clearly presented and it was easy to scroll back up or reference an earlier section.

Interface rating: 5

No interface issues whatsoever. The videos loaded quickly and the feedback on self-check questions was provided immediately with a written and visual cue to reinforce the feedback.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Great editing.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Perhaps a few more illustrations or examples of different backgrounds and ethnicities but overall well-done.

I think this is an excellent resource and it would be great to have a similar one for fitness or wellness assessments (physical therapy, occupational therapy, health coaching, etc.)

Reviewed by Carol Brooks, Retired Physical Therapist, Educator, Central Carolina Technical College on 7/27/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book is very thorough and comprehensive. It has a Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and Appendices that the reader can easily locate. In fact, on the Table of Contents page, the reader can directly click on a chapter, and have it open up. The book also thoroughly covers all of the major portions of the subjective health assessment.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The book is accurate, error-free and unbiased. In fact, the author does a good job of presenting multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-gender subjects in the pictures throughout the book.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content in this book is basic and up-to-date. The topic shouldn't change much in coming years, so as to make the book obsolete. If there are changes in the topic, then updates will be easy and straightforward. This book would have relevance to nursing and allied health students.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is clearly written in lucid and accessible prose. Though this is book is listed as a medical text, it is easily readable and understandable due to its good organization and clear presentation. It is written at senior high school, community college level. Any technical terms are highlighted and if you let the cursor hover over a term, the definition will appear.

Consistency rating: 5

The book is consistent regarding terminology and framework. The same format is basically used for each chapter - introductory information, tables and figures, and a test-yourself question.

Modularity rating: 5

Progression through this book could be easily divided into modules. The book deconstructs and describes/defines each facet of the Subjective Health Assessment form, giving each topic its own chapter.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics in the book are presented in a logical, clear, easy-to-follow fashion. From the first chapter to the last, the reader expects to see sample scenarios and responses in table format.

Interface rating: 5

There are no interface issues noted. Figures and tables are clearly labeled. The book is also multi-media, in that it provides videos demonstrating the various aspects of patient questioning.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contains no grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This book is not culturally insensitive or offensive in neither language nor figures and videos.

This is a very good book to assign for self-study when nursing and allied health students are learning about how to perform a health assessment. It provides sample scenarios, clinical tips, points of consideration, as well as, questions and cues to use when assessing clients. The book provides very basic information about the subjective health assessment process. Thus, it does not go deeply into pain theory or screening for mental health, though these topics each have their own chapter in this book because they are part of the health assessment, but instructors can delve deeper into these subjects apart from the book, if they like.

Reviewed by Sharon Holden, Nursing Instructor, Trident Technical College on 7/21/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This is a really good resource for the novice nursing student. It covers all areas in good detail.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Content is accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This content is current and organised in an orderly fashion. Very easy to read and apply.

Clarity rating: 5

This is a good basic resource for the student seeking better understanding of a subjective health assessment.

Consistency rating: 5

Terminology and framework were consistent throughout.

Modularity rating: 5

Excellent breakdown of the content. Easy for students to review is small blocks and apply to an actual clinical setting.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Well organized in a easy to follow order.

Interface rating: 5

Video's and end of text quiz questions are easy to navigate and helpful.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No significant grammar errors noted

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The cultural aspect of the health assessment is covered well.

The questions at the end of the sections are helpful and appropriate. The reflective questions could easily be used for a writing assignment.