Replication of this study using larger samples and involving a
variety of rural and urban hospitals representing different
areas of Taiwan should be used. Future research should
consider the use of a longitudinal design to gather data at
different points in time to achieve a better understanding of
how patients adapt over time. We also recommend using
integrated research methods for future study, to assess the
validity of the Chinese version of the instruments and
uncover the answers left unasked via quantitative instruments
– those related to why and how. This is especially important
when studying people in areas that are culturally different
from the area in which the instrument(s) originated. Additionally,
future research needs to examine the gender-specific
effectiveness of nursing interventions aimed at enhancing
quality of life, promoting greater use of problem-focused
coping behaviour and reducing anxiety.