Comparison of two modes of administration of a personalized quality of life scale in a longitudinal study of total hip arthroplasty.
Quality of life scales are being increasingly used to evaluate patients. The earliest scales were standardized questionnaire that did not necessarily provide an optimal evaluation of the quality of life of each individual patient. A number of personalized scales are now available, including the SEIQoL, in which the patients nominate the five quality of life areas most important to them. The SEIQoL has been validated. We tested the SEIQoL in patients treated by total hip arthroplasty, a procedure that is expected to improve quality of life.


OBJECTIVE
To compare two methods of administration of the SEIQoL several months after total hip arthroplasty.


METHODS
The SEIQoL was administered before and after the arthroplasty. During the postoperative test session, the SEIQoL was administered twice, once using the items nominated preoperatively and once after allowing the patient to repeat the nomination procedure.


RESULTS
With both methods, significant improvements in quality of life were demonstrated (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Changing the items of the SEIQoL during prospective studies does not modify the overall quality of life score. Keeping the same items throughout the study is nevertheless warranted.
Bayle
B
B
Rehabilitation Department, Lille Teaching Hospital, France.
Kemoun
G
G
Migaud
H
H
Thevenon
A
A
D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires