Quality of life (QOL) has gained prominence as an important outcome of cancer treatment, encompassing those things that give worth, meaning, purpose, and satisfaction to life. Unlike tumor response or survival, it cannot be measured by counting heads or using a rule. We must go directly to our patients to determine how their disease and treatment affect their lives. QOL can include physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and functional well being as well as symptoms that impact one's ability to function and gain satisfaction in living.
The nursing research program continues its work on symptoms and their impact on a patient's QOL. Our work during the past year has focused on cancer-related fatigue as well as strategies to manage it. Because there is a great deal to be gained from understanding patients' experiences, we explore these phenomena using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Living with a symptom imparts to the individual a core of information that may be termed "experiential knowledge" or "know-how."
As we build our knowledge base about fatigue and other symptoms, we are continually evaluating new information and skills to help our patients cope more effectively with cancer. There is a body of research suggesting that information about unfamiliar health care experiences (symptoms, genetic tests, or procedures) can dramatically improve an individual's coping efforts and favorably impact QOL. In addition, we are seeking more efficient and time-conserving ways to teach patients given the emphasis on economy in the health care environment. Because Nursing is a clinical discipline, it is important not only to conduct research but also integrate scientific research findings into clinical practice.