Advances in Measuring Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Cancer Care
Objective
To provide practical guidance for the selection and use of quality-of-life (QOL) instruments for research and clinical practice.
Data Sources
Published articles, books, and web resources.
Conclusion
Even among instruments designed specifically to measure QOIL, there are vast differences in what they actually measure. The choice of instrument can make the difference between whether real changes in QOL are captured or not.
Implications for Nursing Practice
QOL outcomes are ideal for determining the efficacy and impact of cancer care. Incorporating QOL into standard clinical practice holds great promise for improving communication with health care providers, with a resultant improvement in patient outcomes.
Address correspondence to Carol Estwing Ferrans, PhD, RN, FAAN, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing (MC 802), 845 S. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
ABSTRACT