THE TAKE CHARGE PATIENT is part autobiography and part self help book. As a mother to two children with congenital heart defects who have three heart surgeries apiece, several cardiac catherizations and too many procedures to count, and as a registered nurse I found this book amazing. I wish I had it twenty-two years ago when my first son was born. The author, Martine Ehrenclou a non-medical professional began writing this book from the perspective of someone caring for ailing family members and saw firsthand the mistakes and misdiagnosis that can happen in the medical world. Then six months into the book the subject took on a personal nature.

THE TAKE CHARGE PATIENT is written so that any layperson can read and understand it. The book is broken down into steps to guide you through what you need to do to become an advocate either for someone else or yourself. THE TAKE CHARGE PATIENT begins with information to help you learn about how to find a primary care doctor (PCP) who will function as a team leader for your care. I found it interesting that the author also teaches how to have relationships with all the people in the PCP's office. She is accurate in saying that the staff is the gatekeeper to your care and each hold a significant role but I never would have thought to suggest it.

The book continues from your PCP to specialists, pharmacies, hospitals and your insurance company. There are two whole chapters on how to ensure you don't become a statistic of medication or medical errors. There are chapters on the difference between chronic and acute illnesses and how to manage your care for each. There are also chapters to about prevention. They explain how to prevent illness from occurring and how to use Telehealth/Telemedicine (being monitored from home by your medical professionals) to prevent chronic conditions being exacerbated, or developing secondary complications.

Each chapter ends with a checklist and the book closes with a list of definitions, references, and resources. I personally believe THE TAKE CHARGE PATIENT should be in every household nationwide. It is the best guidebook I have seen on the market to this date and I will be purchasing several copies for my loved ones.