"The Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching: a new format of the lndex of Nausea and Vomiting."

RhodesA, McDaniel RW.

Oncol Nurs Forum. 1999 Jun;26(5):889-94.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the reliability of the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR), a new format of the Rhodes Index of Nausea and Vomiting Form 2 (INV-2).

DESIGN AND SETTING: A parallel form study was conducted at a large, Midwestern teaching hospital and a cancer center.

SAMPLE: Convenience sample of 159 subjects: 40 obstetrical, 60 oncological, 59 medical/surgical.

METHODS: Two instruments, the INVR and the INV-2, were administered approximately 30-60 minutes apart. One-half of the subjects completed the INVR first, and the other half completed the INV-2 first.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Equivalency measures of reliability correlation coefficients for both instruments.

FINDINGS: A high rate of agreement was found in the responses between the two forms. In cases of clear disagreement, the responses to the INVR were more frequently consistent than the responses to the original form.

CONCLUSIONS: INVR has tested reliability and is more user friendly for the patient and the healthcare provider.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses have a focal role in managing symptoms. Managing nausea, vomiting, and retching requires excellent assessment skills of the patient's personal symptom experience and knowledge of pharmacology. Efficient, cost-saving assessments require accurate self-report instruments that permit patients to quantify their symptom experiences. The INVR can provide a scientific base from which to prescribe and teach patients and may improve their quality of life. Reliable and valid self-reporting instruments are essential for managing these adverse symptoms.