In this introductory text, Earp (health behavior and health education, U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) et al. compile 21 chapters that discuss patient advocacy in the US and its role in changing healthcare quality, outlining five strategies and describing the advocate's role. These center on understanding how providers can support patients, improving communication, changing hospital and medical school culture, making the consumer's voice heard in policy and law, and advancing education and professional roles in advocacy. Topics include patient literacy and safety, psychosocial issues, the hidden curriculum in medical education, improving end-of-life care, access, and advocating for those facing life-threatening illnesses. The text is meant for graduate students and professionals in public health, nursing, and social work. It was inspired by the early death of the son of a public health educator. Contributors are patient advocates, or work in health care and public health fields at universities in the US. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)