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Quality of life: some theoretical issues
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|August 1, 1981
Summary
Defining "quality of life" is crucial for medical research. This study proposes key principles for operationalizing quality of life measures, focusing on patient-reported outcomes over time.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- The concept of "quality of life" is widely used but lacks a clear, consistent definition in scientific literature.
- A review of approximately 100 publications revealed infrequent explicit definitions of "quality of life."
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose guiding principles for defining and operationalizing "quality of life" in research.
- To address the vagueness of the term "quality of life" by suggesting measurable components.
Main Methods:
- Literature survey of scientific publications using the term "quality of life."
- Formulation of guiding principles based on identified gaps in definition and application.
- Identification of key factors: daily activity, complaints, well-being, and sexual behavior.
Main Results:
- "Quality of life" is too vague; operational definitions focusing on specific factors are recommended.
- Key factors for assessment include daily activity, complaint patterns, subjective well-being, and sexual behavior.
- A composite score, similar to an IQ test, should be developed for psychological and social consequences.
Conclusions:
- Patients are the ultimate authority on their own "quality of life."
- "Quality of life" assessment should consider a period of time, not just a single moment.
- Relative comparisons (over time or with control groups) are essential for meaningful "quality of life" measurement.