Mary Bushell – författare

If you are worried that studying pharmacology will be difficult to apply to clinical practice, Pharmacology for Health Professionals is the book for you. Written by experienced health professional educators, this textbook brings the study of drugs and medicines to life.

This title is considered the most authoritative text in Australia and New Zealand for nursing and allied health students, but it is also highly accessible. The use of easily flowing material, integration with physiology and pathophysiology, and focus on clinically relevant information clearly show how pharmacology concepts can be applied in practice.

Fully updated in its sixth edition, the book will help students master this complex and constantly changing area of their studies and is suitable for use in many undergraduate health professional courses including nursing, paramedicine, pharmacy, podiatry, optometry, midwifery, speech pathology and general biomedical/health science programs.

Pharmacology for Health Professionals provides a clinically grounded introduction to pharmacology, guiding students from foundational principles through to in-depth exploration of drug actions across major body systems and their application in treating common pathological conditions in the Australian and New Zealand context.

Designed for nursing, pharmacy and allied health students, this trusted text takes an integrated, practice-focused approach that links pharmacological mechanisms to real-world clinical care. Clear, concept-driven explanations build understanding of complex physiological processes while reinforcing safe, patient-centred and evidence-based use of medicines.

Aligned with contemporary Australasian practice, the text incorporates medicines policy, public health perspectives and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for practice in dynamic healthcare environments. Particular attention is given to medication safety, polypharmacy and rational medicines use, especially in aged care and other complex patient populations.

A carefully scaffolded chapter structure supports learning progression and enhances engagement with challenging content.

New to this edition

Expanded coverage of aged care and special populationsEnhanced focus on medication safety and polypharmacySignificant revision of foundational clinical, ethical and legal contentMajor updates to cancer therapy, antimicrobial chemotherapy and resistance, obesity pharmacotherapy and vaccinationsUpdated epidemiological data, clinical guidelines and emerging therapeuticsNew and revised Critical Thinking Scenarios, with additional resources available via Evolve and ClinicalKey

Comprehensive, contemporary and accessible, Pharmacology for Health Professionals equips students with the knowledge and confidence to apply pharmacology safely and effectively.