All chapters have been completely revised and updated with input from a team of specialist reviewers and contributors. The chapter on child health has been radically updated and specific chapters have now been dedicated to pregnancy and contraception/sexual health. The handbook also includes quick reference practical management boxes for pediatric and elderly patients, a plate section of color images, and reference to online guidelines and resources. In this edition, we have updated the first edition material: we have completely rewritten the general practice section to include the new GP contract and updated clinical topics in line with new national and international guidelines. As a result of feedback from readers, we have tried to make the text clearer and more evidence-based. We have also included several new topics such as complementary medicine, elderly care, and chronic disease management, as well as expanding some of the preexisting sections.
