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Quality of life as a concept for developing learning disability nursing practice?
Ruth Northway1, Robert Jenkins
1School of Care Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, UK. rnorthwa@glam.ac.uk
Journal of Clinical Nursing
|January 10, 2003
Summary
Quality of Life (QoL) concepts can improve learning disability nursing, but defining and measuring QoL is complex. While potentially empowering, concerns exist about professional agendas overshadowing individual needs.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Quality of Life (QoL) is increasingly influential in learning disability services and practice.
- Defining and assessing QoL is challenging due to its complex, multidimensional nature.
- Current QoL approaches have had limited impact on learning disability nursing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the application of Quality of Life concepts in learning disability nursing.
- To explore the potential benefits and challenges of using QoL as an evaluation tool.
- To provide recommendations for integrating QoL into education, practice, and research.
Main Methods:
- Critical examination of the concept of Quality of Life.
- Review of existing literature on QoL measurement and application in learning disabilities.
- Analysis of potential benefits and drawbacks for nursing practice.
Main Results:
- QoL concepts can serve as sensitizing concepts, aid collaborative care planning, and provide an evaluation framework.
- Measuring QoL using objective and subjective domains is advocated but raises concerns.
- Potential for QoL approaches to perpetuate professional agendas rather than empower individuals.
Conclusions:
- QoL concepts offer valuable frameworks for enhancing learning disability nursing practice.
- Careful consideration of measurement and implementation is needed to ensure empowerment.
- Further research and education are recommended to optimize QoL integration.