Outcome Measures in Quality of Life.
The concept of quality of life (QOL) represents a new paradigm in rehabilitation research and cSinical care. Three measurement approaches have been used to investigate QOL of individuals: (1) evaluative or subjective, (2) objective, and (3) quality adjusted life year (QALY). QALYs represent the utility approach to measurement with emphasis on value of, desirability of, or preference for conditions or status. When the condition in question isdefined as health, health-related quality of life (HQOL) measures are employed. Very few studies are found in the literature addressing QOL of stroke patients. Among studies reviewed, HQOL measures are often used. A summary of these studies and discussion of limitations associated with QOL measures utilized are provided.
a Associate Professor Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan.
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Tate
b Associate Professor Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Wayne State University Detroit Michigan.
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Dijkers
c Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation University of Michigan Ann Arbor , Michigan.
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Johnson-Greene
chronic illness; disability; quality of life; rehabilitation outcome measures; stroke; subjective