The Concept of Quality of Life

The increasing need to assess the effects of various diseases on patients’ psychological and social functioning has led to a number of initiatives aimed at quantitative evaluation of quality of life (QOL). Although for some this concept is a source of much controversy, it has now become an important indicator of health. Many definitions of QOL can be found in the literature. Numerous QOL studies have endeavoured to learn more about the wellbeing of different patient groups, and especially about the effects of various medical interventions which cannot be measured by quantitative biological parameters alone. QOL is usually assessed with self-report measures. Rating scales were initially introduced in order to observe disease aggravation or recovery, but then began to be used to assess patients’ subjective experience of illness and its effects on various psychological, social and physical aspects of patients’ lives. QOL assessment is becoming a standard component of comprehensive clinical assessment of patients with chronic diseases that can have a negative effect on every aspect of life. Correct medical intervention involves not only accurate diagnosis of the disease and implementation of adequate and effective pharmacotherapy, but also correct evaluation of all the components of QOL and level of satisfaction of patients’ various medical, emotional and social needs. QOL assessment in patients may affect the improvement of global treatment outcomes. It may also lead to the reduction of the social costs of treatment, both individual and global.