[Quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis. Methods of measurement]

Interest in quality of life in the medical sciences arises out of a holistic conception of the medical model. Taking into account the whole patient, concentrating efforts not only on extending his/her life in a biological sense, but also on increasing activities whose aim it is to create an active life, similar to the lives of healthy people. A chronic condition, which reduces the quality of life in illness is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The illness leads to impairment in motor function, changes in excess of those caused by joint damage, and systemic complications, leading in consequence to a lowering in levels of health and living standards for the patient. The quality of life for a patient with RA depends on the individual patient's own skills in overcoming difficulties, on his/her ability to adapt and on psychological and social health resources. The aim of this paper is to present instruments for the measurement of quality of life and health problems of a psychological and social nature in those suffering from chronic and damaging RA. A multidimensional therapeutic approach should aim not only to reduce the difficulties associated with the illness, but also to improve the patient's functioning, and consequently his/her quality of life.