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The gist of the Orlando Theory, as developed by the late Ida Orlando, R.N., M.A., is that people need to communicate effectively in order to bypass errors in judgment. Whether it is in the health care industry or elsewhere, people must learn to listen to each other in order to avoid mistakes that can sometimes cost a person's life. Specific actions that will be taken afterward need verification, in order to resolve the situation at hand properly.
The author has had a long career in health care and was a student of Orlando, the founder of the above theory. The book is replete with specific examples from the health care industry as well as from everyday life. One notable example is when Edna, a participant at a conference designed to help women handle child delivery and labor, told the leader that she can't breathe after being wrapped in a tight blanket to simulate the birthing experience. The leader, however, told her that childbirth is supposed to feel like that. Edna continued to complain that she cannot breathe, and the leader kept telling her that it is the correct feeling for being in childbirth. Edna died, because her cries for help were not properly understood by the leader.
The author keeps a clear, concise tone throughout the book and shows the reader how assumptions can mislead and create possible emergency situations, even death. At the end of the book, there is a relaxation exercise to help boost the body's immunity, as well as an explanation of the basics of good communication. This is a great book for nurses, doctors, and other health care professionals.