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Quality of life assessment in advanced cancer

Palliative Care Program M-76, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio

D. Walsh

Palliative Care Program M-76 and Department of Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio

Our purpose is to examine how applicable current quality of life instruments are in advanced cancer. Quality of life (QOL) is difficult to define and measure; it is a multidimensional, dynamic and subjective concept. An acceptable QOL instrument for advanced disease should be simple to administer and easy to explain, complete and analyse. In our view, the present instruments used in oncology do not serve the needs of advanced cancer patients. Based on our review, we believe a single question posed on a linear or categorical scale should be used to assess QOL in advanced cancer in preference to other available methods.

Key Words: quality of life • neoplasms • palliative treatment • questionnaires • psychometrics • terminal care

Palliative Medicine, Vol. 10, No. 4, 275-283 (1996)
DOI: 10.1177/026921639601000402


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