Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health

"This second edition of the Encyclopedia and Dictionary includes the allied health sciences in its title to reflect the concept of patient care as a shared responsibility of all member of the health care team. Territorial boundaries that delineate the area of function and expertise of each discipline are becoming increasingly blurred. Team leadership is no longer the prerogative of any one discipline, but rater the function of the person or group best suited to the needs of a particular patient at the particular time and in a particular health care setting. This requires a commitment to values that transcends personal and professional goals. It further demands a knowledge and appreciate of the contribution each team member can make toward achieve the goal of quality health care..."