Research on quality of life in clinical studies: what is it and how is it measured?
Bunzel, B.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 103(11): 326-331
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 1858383 Document Number: 373151
The failure to investigate quality of life looms as a major gap in clinical studies. It was the aim of the survey to demonstrate 1) the problem of defining quality of life, 2) the importance of measuring it, especially with respect to evaluating optimal therapy and 3) measurement instruments and scales (disease-specific and overall well-being indices). Current remaining problems regarding quality of life research, as well as its use in clinical trials are discussed. It is stressed that quality of life should never be a mere slogan, but should be the focus for doctor and patient of interdisciplinary research regarding outcome of any therapy and indicator of its efficacy.