Measuring Quality of Life in health – let's do it!

Measuring Health Status and Quality of Life

The purpose of medical care The primary aim of medical care is to improve or maintain the overall functional capacity and general health of patients. It has historically concentrated on the diagnosis and treatment of physiological and anatomical conditions (Wasson et al, 1992) and for the most part this approach has tended to overlook global functioning, well being, and quality of life. Traditi...

Measuring quality of life in the evaluation of health care.

This article provides an introduction to the measurement of quality of life or subjective health status. It considers difficulties in defining the concept and the uses of subjective health status measures and describes common approaches to measurement. The criteria used to select a measure for inclusion in a study are summarised and some of the more commonly used measures are described.

Measuring health-related quality of life in companion animals.

Measuring health-related quality of life in cancer patients.

The measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is being increasingly advocated in healthcare practice, particularly in relation to cancer care. The use of patient-reported health instruments has been recommended in Lord Darzi's review of the NHS. Consequently, nurses have to be aware of the most reliable and valid QoL measurement tools for given situations and conditions. The aim of ...

Measuring quality of life in a reformed health system.

"Quality of life" encompasses functional status, access to resources and opportunities, and sense of well-being. It offers a useful perspective on the value of health care, especially for chronically disabling conditions, including chronic mental illness. At least three major quality-of-life outcome assessment frameworks are available: general quality of life, health-related quality of life, an...