[Reading-elaboration studies on quality of life in neurology]

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures should be used, both in clinical practice and in research, in order to complete the assessment of the disease impact. Since the information supplied by this sort of measures is irreplaceable and necessary, the problems and drawbacks related to their application have to fuel the interest in working on this matter. When reading and designing a study about HRQL, special attention should be paid to the validity and selection criteria of the instruments (Were the design and validation methodologically sound?); selection (Were the instruments used really appropriate?); use (Were they adequately applied?); interpretation of the results (How relevant really were the results?), and potential use for the specific patient (Will the information from the study help us in caring for patients?). This review presents concepts, some methodological aspects, and information that may help in answering these questions.