Publishing success for Oxford Brookes lecturers

Three Senior Lecturers from the Department of Clinical Health Care have had their book A Beginner’s Guide to Critical Thinking and Writing in Health and Social Care published by the Open University Press.

Mary Woolliams, Pam Sharp and Helen Aveyard had written individually on topics related to critical thinking and evidence based practice. However they became increasingly aware, through their teaching and discussions with students, that there was a need for an introductory level text on the topic of critical thinking and writing, aimed at both health and social care students and qualified staff. The aim was that it would support them in their studies and professional lives.

Pictured (L to R): Helen Aveyard, Pam Sharp, and Mary Woolliams

Pam Sharp explains, “We worked together on the proposal, initially separately on chapters and then met regularly to ensure the style of writing was consistent and avoided overlap. In meeting up, we clarified and talked through the issues raised and found that our ideas for the book developed. This book is the product of the three of us working together. It would have been a different book had one of us written it alone!”

“All health and social care professionals are expected to think about their practice in a critical way and this needs to be reflected in their academic writing about both practice and professional issues. We were aware of books available on critical appraisal, evidence based practice and academic writing but our experience of working alongside students indicated a need for a book that addressed these issues specifically in relation to professional practice and writing. The book is for anyone who knows they should be critical of what they read, see and hear, but is not sure how to go about it.”

The book introduces the skills of critical thinking, critical writing and critical appraisal in health and social care, and examines every stage of becoming a critical thinker. Each chapter tackles a different aspect of the process, using a range of examples and simple language. It is aimed at all health and social care students and professionals who feel they need an introductory level and reasonably priced, readable book. The book is available via Amazon at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beginners-Critical-Thinking-Writing-Health/dp/0335243665 or via the publishers on http://www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk/html/0335243665.html.

Posted on 30 January 2012