Definition Of Quality Of Life In Healthcare

The terms health health related quality of life hrqol and quality of life qol are used interchangeably.

Definition of quality of life in healthcare. Quality of life qol is a broad multidimensional concept that usually includes subjective evaluations of both positive and negative aspects of life. Who defines quality of life as an individual s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals expectations standards and concerns. Collins dictionary has the following definition of the term. Quality of life is an important consideration in medical care.

A state of complete physical mental and social well being not merely the absence of disease or infirmity quality of life vs. Some medical treatments can seriously impair quality of life without providing appreciable benefit whereas others greatly enhance quality of life. Hrql represents a broad concepts of physical psychological with social functioning and well being that includes both positive and negative aspects. Although assessment tools are available to evaluate physical and social dimensions an individual s general sense of well being or satisfaction with the attributes of life is more difficult to evaluate.

It is a broad ranging concept affected in a complex way by the person s physical health psychological state personal. The patient s ability to enjoy normal life activities. On this site find general information about health related quality of life such as hrqol surveillance and its role in public health practice. Miller keane encyclopedia and dictionary of medicine.

Given that these are three key terms in the literature their appropriate and clear use is important. 2 what makes it challenging to measure is that although the term quality of life has meaning for nearly everyone and every academic discipline individuals and groups can define it. Health related quality of life hrql focuses on the impact of health on a person s ability to live a fulfilling life. We can use the term in several different contexts including politics economic or international development and healthcare.

Quality of life the degree of satisfaction an individual has regarding a particular style of life. In general quality of life qol or qol is the perceived quality of an individual s daily life that is an assessment of their well being or lack thereof this includes all emotional social and physical aspects of the individual s life.