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With few exceptions, the study instruments in this sample demonstrated little evidence of reliability or validity. Moreover, study authors exhibited a poor understanding of the importance of these properties in the assessment of satisfaction. Researchers must be aware that this is poor research practice, and that lack of a reliable and valid assessment instrument casts doubt on the credibility of satisfaction findings.

Patient satisfaction studies generally show poor awareness of the importance of methodological issues relevant to response rate. Far more attention to this aspect is needed if findings in this field are to be accepted as valid and useful.

Lymphoedema remains a significant clinical problem, with 1:5 women in this sample developing the condition following treatment for breast cancer. Risk factors are identified in the development of lymphoedema that should be taken into account in clinical practice.

There is a need to continue to develop and test tools that have the attributes necessary for effective practice and to research their effects on the quality of supportive cancer care.

Background Service user involvement is embedded in the United KingdomÕs National Health Service, but knowledge about the impact of involvement on service users, such as the benefits and challenges of involvement, is scant. Our research addresses this gap.

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The purpose of this study was to examine a variety of mathematical volume formulae and their respective validity in establishing limb volume in monitoring and evaluation of treatment for lymphoedema. Using a random sample of treatment records from the Day Ward, Worthing Hospital, it is shown that the formula most commonly used at present, that for a cylinder, produces imprecise volume data. A simplified formula derived from the formula for a frustum is tested, and is found to produce more accurate data. The paper proposes that the frustum formula is more appropriate in establishing limb volume, and should be adopted by practitioners.