[Quality of life concept].
Although WHO defined health as a "state of complete physical, mental and social well-being'' in 1948, it is only in recent years that health-related "quality-of-life'' (HRQOL) has gained acceptance in medicine. Changes in clinical outcome measures do not necessarily correspond to the increased benefits in HRQOL perceived by patients, and their HRQOL-related preferences may differ from those of health professionals. HRQOL measures can guide treatment decisions and increase the possibility of involving patients in decisions concerning treatment, care and rehabilitation.
Zachariae
Bobby
B
Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus. bzach@as.aaa.dk
Bech
Per
P
D003210:Concept Formation; D003657:Decision Making; D014943:Global Health; D006262:Health; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years