Validated Methods of Assessing Quality of Life in Stone Disease

With the emphasis on quality standards when determining reimbursements rates, patient reported outcomes are now of particular interest to clinicians. This review addresses health-related quality of life (HRQOL) detriments that have been studied in patients with stone disease.

Several instruments been validated for use in stone formers. Previously, generic instruments revealed decreased HRQOL in urolithiasis patients. Recently, a disease-specific tool has been developed and has provided more insight into the specific symptoms that negatively affect the patient experience. Evidence now reveals lower HRQOL in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with calculi, as well as varying determinants after certain interventions. Disease-specific tools have been shown to be more sensitive to urologic-related complaints. These findings should be considered in management decisions to allow for patient-centered care. Further application and standardization of these assessment tools into prospective studies may have value in refining current treatment guidelines.