title: Measuring quality of life in patients with schizophrenia:an overview.
abstract: Quality of life (QoL) is of great importance to patients with schizophrenia and their families. Although the use of QoL measures may contribute to better adherence to therapeutic interventions, more satisfaction with care, improved health outcomes and reduction of health costs, QoL assessment remains underutilized in clinical practice. In this review, the authors propose a reflection on the limitations and lack of impact of QoL measures in clinical care. Our argument is based on three challenges regarding conceptual aspects and metrics, use and limits and the usefulness of measuring QoL. For each challenge, the authors have suggested pragmatic proposals and new research directions to promote the use of QoL measures in the future. These avenues of research involve a shared responsibility between QoL researchers, the medical community and decision makers. Close collaboration between all parties is necessary to promote the use of QoL measures in schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Self-Perceived Health Assessment Research Unit, School of Medicine, La Timone University, 13005 Marseille, France. laurent.boyer@ap-hm.fr
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Boyer
authors.forename: Karine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Baumstarck
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boucekine
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blanc
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lançon
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Auquier
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy