title: Health-related quality of life in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a concept analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this concept analysis is to examine the health-related quality of life in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with moderate to severe COPD has not been clearly defined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Walker and Avant's concept analysis methodology was employed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The author examined articles focusing on QoL, HRQoL, and HRQoL in COPD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The concept analysis explores the negative consequences related to COPD while defining HRQoL and the characteristics of positive HRQoL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients living with COPD should be assessed for HRQoL status.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Indiana University Kokomo, Kokomo, Indiana.
authors.forename: April L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Mouser
mesh_terms: D003210:Concept Formation; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; concept analysis; health-related quality of life