Quality of Life

Question 1

What is WHOLQOL-BREF?

Answer 1

= (World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF) is a shortened version of the WHOLQOL-100, which is a comprehensive instrument developed by the WHO to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It is a widely used, cross-culturally applicable tool for assessing quality of life in a variety of settings and populations.

Question 2

What is included in the WHOLQOL-BREF physical health?

Answer 2

• Activities of daily life
• Dependence on medicinal substances and medicinal aids
• Energy and fatigue
• Mobility
• Pain and discomfort
• Sleep and rest
• Work capacity

Question 3

What is included in the WHOLQOL-BREF physiological?

Answer 3

• Bodily image and appearance
• Negative + positive feelings
• Self-esteem
  -Spirituality/Religion/Personal beliefs
• Thinking, learning, memory and concentration

Question 4

What is included in the WHOLQOL-BREF social?

Answer 4

• Personal relationships
• Social support
• Sexual activity

Question 5

What is included in the WHOLQOL-BREF environment?

Answer 5

• Financial resources
• Freedom, physical safety and security
• Health and social care: accessibility and quality
• Home environment
• Opportunities for acquiring new info and skills
• Participation in recreation/leisure activities
• Physical environment (pollution/noise/traffic/climate)
• Transport

Question 6

What is the Dijkers Model of Quality of Life and its 3 main components?

Answer 6

= It is another framework that focuses on different aspects contributing to an individuals overall well-being
3 main components:
1) Societal standards - standards + values
2) Achievements - performance, possessions, relationships, characteristics, health, accomplishments
3) Individual expectations - goals, aspirations, values, standards, desires

Question 7

What is the EQ-5D (measuring quality of life) and the key components?

Answer 7

= most widely used generic patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire internationally. Recommended by NICE. *Evidence on patient’s HRQoL can be obtained using PRO measures.
Key components:
- Pain/discomfort
- Anxiety/depression
- Mobility
- Self-care
- Usual activités

Question 8

What do disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures evaluate?

Answer 8

They evaluate how a specific diseases affects a patient’s quality of life.
*Clinical decisions often affect patient’s HRQoL

Question 9

Generic measures

Answer 9

E.g. EQ-5D, Short Form 36 (SF-36), Nottingham Health Profile, The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP)
= wide variety of populations
Positives:
- Usually single instrument
- Reliable and valid
- Allow comparison between conditions or interventions
Negatives:
- Does not focus on area of interest
- May not be responsive

Question 10

Disease specific measures

Answer 10

E.g. The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire
= focus on problems associated with specific diseases, patient groups or areas of function
Positives:
- Clinically sensible
- May be more responsive than generic instruments
Negatives:
- Does not allow comparison between conditions
- Limited in terms of populations and conditions

Question 11

What is the pharmacists role in patient care/balancing risks and benefits?

Answer 11

Examples include:
- Primary prevention
- Symptom control for acute problems
- Outcome expected
- Stopping criteria
- Required rests
Consider alternative options:
- Lifestyle changes
- Self care (OTC medicines)
- Non pharmacological options