The quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer is an important construct given the substantial impact of caring on the physical, psychological, social, and financial well-being of caregivers. Moreover, caring for patients with cancer also affects family functioning and places burdens on caregivers. The reliability and validity of instruments used to assess the quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer were reviewed to aid in the selection of the most appropriate measures for research and practice. (1980-2000) and (1982-2000) searches located relevant quality of life instruments using the keywords "cancer and quality of life" and "caregiver or spouse or partner." The search identified the following instruments: the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer Scale, the Caregiver Quality of Life Index, the Quality of Life Tool, and the Quality of Life Index-Cancer Version. Quality of life instruments developed specifically to measure the quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer had the best psychometric properties. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer Scale, in particular, met or exceeded minimum psychometric criteria for reliability and validity. The development of reliable and valid caregiver quality of life measures is an important factor in developing interventions to enhance quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer.
This study examined the impact of nurses' education and experience and the characteristics of their patients on their performance of peripheral intravenous cannulation. A researcher-developed peripheral intravenous cannulation assessment tool was used to assess nurses' behavior during cannulation. Results from a hierarchical multiple regression indicated that patient demographic variables did not significantly predict overall ratings of peripheral intravenous cannulation performance. Nurses' education and experience significantly predicted overall ratings of peripheral intravenous cannulation. Educational preparation at a postgraduate level was a significant positive predictor, and the years of experience in general nursing were a significant negative predictor of overall ratings of peripheral intravenous cannulation. The results from the current study highlight the importance of applied education, such as that indicated by a graduate degree, in providing and maintaining advanced clinical skills for specialty practice.
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