Definitions of Quality of Life: What Has Happened and How to Move On

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is an important outcome in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, but it is unclear how to define and measure it. Objective: The aims of this article are to (a) show how the concepts of QOL and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have evolved over time, (b) describe the various ways QOL has been defined and measured, and (c) provide recommendations on how to be as clear and consistent as possible in QOL research. Method: A narrative review of the QOL literature was performed. Results: Roots of the term "quality of life" in health care can be traced back to the definition of health by the World Health Organization in 1948. The use of the word "well-being" in this definition is probably a main factor in the continuing confusion about the conceptualization of QOL. Within the field of SCI rehabilitation, the Dijkers's QOL model, distinguishing between utilities, achievements, and subjective evaluations and reactions, has been very influential and the basis for several reviews and databases. Nevertheless, literature shows that it is still difficult to consistently use the term "quality of life" and categorize QOL measures. Several aspects of QOL that are specific for individuals with SCI have been identified. Conclusions: Researchers should be as specific and clear as possible about the concept and operationalization of QOL in their studies. Readers should not take the term "quality of life" for granted, but should inspect the topic of the study from the actual measures used.

Quality of Life in Patients with Skin Diseases Attending a Public Healthcare Institute of Quetta City, Pakistan

“…[1] Conventionally, where therapeutic regimens are focused on symptoms relief and eradication, QoL tends to highlight factors that are important in affecting the overall wellbeing of the patients. [2] Therefore, QoL is rated as a significant predictor of treatment success and is seen as of prognostic importance during the course of care.…”

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“…2 Unfortunately, there is as yet no single definition of QoL on which everyone agrees, in spite of the many efforts directed at clarifying or defining this concept. 3,4,5 Without consensus on the definition of QoL, it is not surprising that there is no consensus either on how to measure QoL. 2 The development of new measures continues, and attempts to reach consensus on a standard QoL measure have been unsuccessful to date.…”

Phrenic pacing compared with mechanical ventilation

“…That patients suffering from such a severe chronical condition seem to have a better quality of life than a standard population may be surprising. 32 An explanation could be that they despite being exposed to an extreme physical and emotional trauma, followed by despair and misery, realize or even accept that their lives have changed dramatically. We have seen several patients going through this journey and ending up with a positive mind.…”