The Quality of Recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) is a self-rated questionnaire used to assess the postoperative recovery quality and health status of patients in the early stages following surgery; however, there is no Turkish version of the QoR-40. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Turkish version of the QoR-40 (QoR-40 T).

The aim of this study was to validate the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) in the Turkish population and to investigate its correlation with the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. Volunteer patients, who were scheduled for elective surgery and who applied to the Outpatient Clinic of Anesthesiology for preoperative evaluation, were asked to complete a PCS form. The patient's age, sex, educational level, marital status, presence of chronic pain, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were recorded, and PCS scores and demographic variables were compared statistically. Of the 257 patients enrolled in the study, 136 were male, 121 female, and the median age was 40. The 3 subscales in the Turkish version of the PCS consisted of rumination, magnification, and helplessness. Internal consistency of PCS was found to be congruent with Cronbach's alpha = 0.90. Significantly higher PCS scores were found in women with chronic pain. In addition, patients who graduated from primary school had statistically higher scores compared to those who graduated from high school. In accordance with the original scale, demographic specifications of the Turkish version of the PCS were found congruent. PCS scores in our population were found compatible with the literature review.

Validated measures in palliative cancer patients are very important in the evaluation and management of the disease. The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) has been used for many years to assess the performance status of cancer patients. The aim of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of the KPS in cancer patients receiving palliative care in Turkey. Eighty patients with a cancer diagnosis who were admitted to Gaziosmanpaşa University Medical Faculty Hospital Palliative Care Unit between 01.03.2016 and 01.03.2017 were included in the study. KPS, measurements from the Katz Activi-ties of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) scale were recorded. The alpha coefficient (Cronbach) was calculated by using SPSS version 20.0. The P-value was accepted as P < 0.05 in the analysis of the data. There was a positive and strong correlation between Katz ADL scale total score and KPS score (r = 0.895; P < 0.001). In ad-dition, there was a strong negative correlation between the total score of BADL scale and KPS score (r = –0.894; P < 0.001). As for the reliability of the scale scores, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient found to be 0.720. KPS is a reliable scale for Turkish cancer patients in palliative care settings.

The optimal position for surgery is one in which the patient is provided the best possible surgical intervention and put at minimum risk. Different surgical positions may cause changes in tissue perfusion. This study investigates the relationship between surgical patient positions and perfusion index. A sample of 61 healthy individuals with no peripheral circulatory disorders, chronic diseases, or anemia was included in this study. Participants held six different positions: supine, prone, 45-degree sitting-supine, 45-degree supine with legs lifted, Trendelenburg (45-degrees head down), and reverse Trendelenburg (45-degrees head up). Perfusion index values were then measured and recorded after individuals held their positions for five minutes. Participants’ perfusion index values were affected by different body positions (p < 0.05). Perfusion index was lowest in the sitting position (4.5 ± 2.5) and highest in individuals with Trendelenburg position (7.8 ± 3.8). Different body positions can cause changes in tissue perfusion. This should be considered in patient follow-up along with the perfusion index.