Medicine of the Person: Faith, Science and Values in Health Care Provision Edited by John Cox, Alastair V. Campbell & Bill (K.W.M.) Fulford. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 2007. 240pp. £17.99 (pb). ISBN 1843103974

This book highlights the renewed recognition of the value of spiritual dimensions of health with the growth of ethics. Science and religion, as grand narratives, are being replaced in the post-modern era by personal narratives. Although individualised care needs to be developed with a scientific evidence base, it should be offered in a personalised therapeutic relationship. A doctor needs to understand a patient's problem not only from a scientific perspective but also from one of faith. It requires a personal encounter and not a computerisable communication. This should involve the whole person of the caregiver who also has access to informatics. It is like joining hands: the hand of scientific competence and the hand of personal communication. Therapeutic relationships can also induce true biological effects and even placebo has been found to release endorphins in the brain. It seems beneficial (in terms of better health outcome, including from depression) to have religious involvement and to be with faith communities, although there can be a risk of failure to seek timely medical care.

This book is inspired by the work of Paul Tournier (1898–1986), a Christian doctor from Geneva, who was trained by a psychiatrist, Lechler. In Lechler's daily meetings, when someone spoke, it was impossible to tell whether it was a doctor or a patient. The book has chapters on themes from faith traditions such as, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. Phrases like ‘touch wood’ or ‘cross your fingers’ are often used by health personnel and allude to the Cross, which may be disconcerting to patients from other faiths. Collectivism in Islam means that the basis of treatment should include uniting the person with the family. Ayurveda, a medical discipline developed in ancient India, incorporated the prevalent value systems. In Hindu thinking there is also the law of cause and effect and the goal of liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Contributors include eminent thinkers in their field and topics such as public health, neuroscience, general practice, home treatment and terminal care have all been included.

I feel the book is very timely and is likely to inspire further work with examples of good practice, particularly when medicine is being swamped with administration, technocracy, politics and management.