Dorchester Launches Family Doctor Guides
17th Nov 2006, 00:52 GMT
Dorchester Publishing is branching out into nonfiction. Later this month will see the launch of the new Family Doctor guides, which have been a bestselling series in Britain. The average doctor's visit lasts 22 minutes, barely enough time to answer a patient survey, undergo an exam and sneak in a question or two. And those questions better be good. Recent studies by the American Medical Association show that poor health literacy and communication contribute to increased medical costs and inaccurate diagnoses ? making it not only beneficial but necessary for patients to be "primed" for a discussion with their doctor. Responding to this need, Dorchester Publishing has licensed Britain?s bestselling series of Family Doctor guides for release exclusively in the U.S. and Canada. The Family Doctor books, which have sold over four million copies in the U.K. alone, feature full-color diagrams, up-to-date information and a retail price of $4.99. "In this age of rising medical costs and corner-cutting HMOs, books like these are essential," said Dorchester Publisher and CEO John Prebich. ?There are a lot of celebrity-driven health books out there, as well as books by doctors looking to write the next South Beach Diet. But there are very few books that are targeted, authoritative and affordable. These guides give you the tools necessary to have an informed discussion with your doctor." The first five Family Doctor books?Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Bowels and Cholesterol?will hit bookstores and pharmacy counters November 16th. The next five books in the series are due to be released March 2007 We think the line will do quite well: recent studies show that more Americans are turning to the Internet and to books to research health issues before seeing a doctor.