THEORY PRACT IN HEALTH SOCIALCL

Applying theory to practice is a longstanding concern in the caring professions, the complexities of which are not always fully appreciated. Neil Thompson's book is an important and timely exploration of many of the key issues surrounding the integration of theory and practice. In an accessible and thought-provoking account, he argues the case for making theory relevant to practice and ensuring that practice is informed by theory. The book is critical of approaches to theory which create a mystique and barriers to understanding. Equally, though, approaches to practice which ignore or neglect the underpinning knowledge base and values are presented as fundamentally flawed and dangerous. The book offers an integrated approach to theory and practice geared towards improving practice, increasing job satisfaction and promoting an attitude of continuous learning and development. It will be invaluable to students of social work, nurses and others in the caring professions.

Beyond its central premise, the book can be read through the connected lenses of Philosophy. Those themes offer useful points of attention as the characters, ideas, or world develop, especially where the book complicates the expectations of its primary category.