Health coaching studies with well-specified methodologies and more rigorous designs are needed to strengthen findings; however, this behavioral change intervention suggests promise.

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The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to test a conceptual model of proposed relationships between physical health limitation, the sense of coherence, illness appraisal, and quality of life in a sample of 137 older women. The typical respondent was 76, widowed, with an income less than $12,000, and several health problems. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that physical health limitation, particularly symptom bother and functional health, had a significant negative influence on quality of life. However this effect was mediated by sense of coherence and illness appraisal. Regardless of the level of symptoms or functional health, women with higher sense of coherence and more positive illness appraisals had higher levels of quality of life. The findings support the proposed model and further our understandings regarding the protective role of personality resources in perceived quality of life in older women with chronic illnesses.

PurposeThis quasi‐experimental study examined the outcomes of a brief educational module for graduate nursing students as to using motivational interviewing (MI)‐consistent counseling skills. Data sourcesPre‐ and posttest narrative and video‐taped data, surveys, and self‐report. ConclusionsSignificantly fewer closed questions, more open questions, and less advice‐giving without permission were noted in the narratives completed after the education. Similarly, the second videotape revealed significantly more affirmations, use of reflections, and use of more summaries when ending patient sessions. Surveys and self‐report indicated strong satisfaction with the opportunity to learn MI. Implications for practice A core competency of nurse practitioner (NP) education involves helping persons adopt positive health behaviors. While research utilizing MI has evidenced substantial success in this regard, little has been published as to how to incorporate teaching this skill set within an already content‐laden NP curriculum. Including at least minimal education in MI should occur in NP programs. Eight hours of education, including video‐taped practice, followed by "booster sessions" to maintain skills and increase confidence is recommended. More research is necessary to elucidate best practices of teaching this skill set to NPs and its eventual outcomes on patients' health.

Decreasing the length of stay for persons undergoing total knee replacement surgery can improve patient and organizational outcomes while reducing health care costs. This integrative review examined selected nurse-driven variables that assist the interdisciplinary team to reduce length of stay. Findings suggest that a targeted clinical pathway including comprehensive preoperative patient education, physical therapy on the day of surgery, multimodal pain control, and proactive discharge planning may provide the best practice with this patient population.