Quality of life: verification and use of a self-assessment scale in two patient populations

The study described further evaluates the use of the Holmes & Dickerson linear analogue self-assessment scale in assessing the quality of life of both in-patients and out-patients undergoing radiotherapy for the treatment of malignant disease. The scale is shown to be feasible for use in both clinical settings and to be both reliable and valid. It is quick to use, easy to score and demonstrates marked differences between the patient populations. These differences are discussed and supported on clinical grounds. The results emphasize the fact that cancer patients cannot be regarded as a homogeneous group and highlight the need for care to be planned on an individual basis. Similarly, the need for a means by which individual response can be assessed is demonstrated. It is suggested that this self-assessment technique may be of considerable value in such assessment.