The objective of this systematic review was to identify questionnaires that measure health-related empowerment in adults or families and demonstrated the best evidence of reliability and validity. A search of nine data bases identified 8,269 abstracts that referred to empowerment. Full article review was completed for abstracts that met the inclusion criteria or that could not be excluded with certainty (n = 124). Fifty distinct, modified, or translated questionnaires measuring empowerment were identified in 74 articles. Each was rated in terms of reliability and validity. One questionnaire had good evidence of reliability and validity, four had moderate evidence, and 45 had limited or no evidence. Limited or no evidence for reliability and validity for many questionnaires could relate in part to lack of consensus on the theoretical definition of, and indicators for measuring empowerment. We recommend that researchers use the questionnaire rated as having good evidence and that data on reliability and validity continue to be reported for other questionnaires.

Both shorter versions of the GDS may be utilized in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients.

Despite the fact that 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented by regular Pap screening, many women are not screened regularly, particularly older women. To understand better the barriers to screening, the authors held five focus groups during April 2000 in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. Of the 32% of women aged 45 to 70 who had not been screened over a 5-year period (1995-2000), 60 randomly selected women participated in this research. The authors analyzed discussions for themes using an inductive approach, with interpretation guided by the population health model. Women who have avoided a Pap test are falling between the cracks created by a complex interaction between personal experiences and the health system's approach to Pap screening.

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Knowledge utilization (KU) is an essential component of today's nursing practice and healthcare system. Despite advances in knowledge generation, the gap in knowledge transfer from research to practice continues. KU models have moved beyond factors affecting the individual nurse to a broader perspective that includes the practice environment and the socio-political context. This paper proposes one such theoretical model, the Joint Venture Model of Knowledge Utilization (JVMKU). Key components of the JVMKU that emerged from an extensive multidisciplinary review of the literature include leadership, emotional