Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Vol. 1. Symptom / edited by Martyn Evans, Rolf Ahlzén, Iona Heath, Jane MacNaughton -- v. 2. Diagnosis / edited by Rolf Ahlzén, Martyn Evans, Pekka Louhiala, Raimo Puustinen -- v. 3. Treatment / edited by Pekka Louhiala, Iona Heath, John Saunders -- v. 4. Prognosis / edited by Jill Gordon, Jane MacNaughton, Carl Rudebeck.

Using fictionalized case studies this series follows four patients through the medical process, from onset (Symptom) through Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis

Volume 1: Symptom. Examines the idea of 'symptom' as a route to understanding the structure of clinical practice -- Volume 2: Diagnosis. Explores the meaning of 'diagnosis' as a complex, culturally mediated interaction between individuals, scientific discoveries, social negotiation and historical change. -- Volume 3: Treatment. Considers the concept of treatment as an active process which produces an outcome, be it effective, inappropriate or inadequate. Enlightening reading. -- Volume 4: Prognosis. Contemplates the challenge of the prognosis, attempting to make sense of life and death. Considers, through personal and professional perspectives, the role of the medical profession in guiding patient experience.--