Paediatric Handbook

The Paediatric Handbook was first produced as a management guide intended for in-house use by medical officers at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) during the 1960s and 1970s. The book has evolved to have broader appeal. The RCH, Melbourne is regarded as the leading clinical and training centre for Paediatric Medicine in Australia. The RCH Handbook is seen as a succinct and relevant guide to managing common and serious disorders in childhood. It has wide appeal within medical, nursing and allied health fields.

Specific features of the Handbook include:

* Clear illustrations and diagnostic and management algorithms that greatly enhance the at a glance accessibility of the information
* A Paediatric Pharmacopoeia
* Emphasis on modern, community-based approach to the management of children's problems
* Strong emphasis on practical management by the doctor of first contact

The 7th edition was published in 2003. The authors now feel that there have been significant changes in paediatric practice that necessitate a new edition.

The management principles in the Handbook align with the published Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) http://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/index.cfm?doc_id=5033. The 8th edition will be even more closely linked with the CPGs.