This volume of ARNR addresses the wide-range of chronic illnesses that nurses encounter in their work. The format is the same as previous volumes, with each chapter presenting a careful and systematic review all available research on specific topics. Important issues in chronic issues are reflected throughout, such as a prolonged and uncertain course of illness, lack of easy resolution, rarity of complete cure, frequent unknown etiology, and multiple risk factors. The book ends with a milestone chapter by Susan Donaldson which overviews significant breakthroughs in nursing research over the past 40 years. Volume 18 introduces a new dimension to the Review. In order to better reflect the increasing specialization of nursing, a nurse expert in a particular specialty area has been selected to edit each volume. Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick continues to oversee the Review as Series Editor. The majority of each Review will be devoted to the focus area, with one or two chapters addressing important research issues that are of interest to all researchers.