title: An introduction to quality of life assessment in oncology: the value of measuring patient-reported outcomes.
abstract: This article provides an introduction to the concepts of quality of life (QOL) research, including the documented uses and benefits of patient-reported outcomes. Health-related QOL data have been useful in clinical care studies, clinical trials, and cost-effectiveness studies. In the area of cancer treatment, such health-related QOL data have been influential on treatment decisions and cancer care. In addition, this article addresses the challenges resulting from more frequent use of patient-reported outcomes by researchers and physicians. In particular, the impact of the response-shift phenomenon is examined, as well as the time pressure, clinical constraints, and suboptimal communication skills that may hinder the transfer of information from patient to physician and/or researcher.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA.
authors.forename: Carolyn E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Mirjam A G
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sprangers
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000592:standards; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000592:standards*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States