Researcher/participant matching has been used in nursing research as a strategy for the development of culturally competent knowledge. In this manuscript, the complexities inherent in matching in nursing research are discussed. In raising and discussing issues and questions related to matching, we argue that although matching may be one of the strategies used to generate culturally competent knowledge, it is frequently too complex for operationalization. Therefore, we propose that researchers reflect on questions related to their knowledge of culture, their cultural sensitivity, and the nature of collaboration during every phase of the research. Reflecting on and responding to these questions in every research project may facilitate the development of more culturally competent knowledge.

Medical and surgical advances have improved the treatment of cholelithiasis (ie, gallstones) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Children with SCD have an increased risk of developing pigment gallstones that initially may be asymptomatic but that can lead to acute symptoms of cholelithiasis. An elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure is recommended for pediatric patients with SCD to prevent the risk of requiring an emergency cholecystectomy procedure. The primary benefits of this approach include a shorter hospital stay after surgery, decreased postoperative discomfort, decreased risk of complications, and a quicker return to normal activities. AORN J 77 (June 2003) 1170‐1182.

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This study examines the effects of social supports on the use of health services by elderly individuals, and whether those effects differ by race or gender. Multiple regression analysis of the 5,151 baseline Longitudinal Study on Aging (LSOA) respondents revealed that social supports, mainly church attendance, increased the R2s when estimated separately within race and gender groups in a statistically significant manner. The magnitude of these increases, however, was small suggesting that their unique contribution may be minimal. The effects of the social support variables on the use of health services differed by race and gender. These differences, however, were not consistent across the various measures of health services utilization.