[Assessment of health related quality of life--part 2--health state measures].
Health State Measures (HSMs) are one of the existing methods for assessing Health Related Quality of Life. These measures provide a quantitative description of the quality of life across different aspects of living--physical, emotional and social. They allow us to determine the effects of diseases and medical interventions on each of those aspects. Health state measures may be generic--applicable to all conditions and populations, or focus on the unique features of a specific disease, state or group. This article discusses the differences in scope and responsiveness between generic and specific HSMs, with an emphasis on Minimal Clinically Important Difference, and their significance in regard to the selection and use of these questionnaires. The article also provides a short overview of the most commonly used HSMs--Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36).
Horowitz
Einav
E
Israeli Center for Technology Assessment in Health Care, the Gertner Institute, Tel Hashomer. einavh@gertner.health.gov.il
Hassidim
Hilit
H
Abadi-Korek
Ifat
I
Shemer
Joshua
J
D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome