title: Measuring quality of life in the mentally ill.
abstract: It has been our experience that it is easier to measure quality of life among persons with serious mental illness than it is to intervene to improve it. This article presents background and historical context of service delivery to persons with severe mental illness. We then examine approaches to assessing outcomes of services, especially quality of life. We conclude with an illustration and discussion of dilemmas in measuring quality of life in this vulnerable population.
authors.affiliation: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, School of Social Work, Oregon Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. wkorr@uiuc.edu
authors.forename: Wynne S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Korr
authors.forename: Briggett C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Ford
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014481:United States