Quality-of-Life Assessment in Palliative Care

BACKGROUND: Understanding the effects of cancer on the quality of life of affected patients is critical to clinical research as well as to optimal management and care. METHODS: Nine instruments for assessing quality of life in patients with cancer are identified, and their effectiveness during palliative care is analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the instruments included physical, functional, and symptom control, as well as psychologic and social aspects. Financial and spiritual aspects were included less often. While all but two of the instruments had adequate validity and reliability data published, only two - the Spitzer Quality-of-Life Index and the Hospice Quality-of-Life Index - were designed and validated for palliative care populations. CONCLUSIONS: Although a variety of instruments is currently available, none is ideal for all palliative care settings. Further development and refinement of instruments are needed.