Quality of life

Question 1

How does the WHO define QoL?

Answer 1

1. the subjective evaluation of life as a whole
2. patients appraisal of, and satisfaction, with their current level of functioning compared with what they perceive to be possible or ideal
3. Physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmary

Question 2

What things are measured in QoL assessment?

Answer 2

1. Physical functioning
2. disease and treatment-related symptoms
3. psychological functioning
4. social functioning
5. others such as spiritual concerns, cognitive function, sexual functioning and body care, satisfaction with health care

Question 3

What patients are suitable for the ‘medical outcome study short form’ QoL?

Answer 3

generic - any patient with health problems, but not specifically cancer patients

Question 4

Name 2 cancer specific QoL assessments

Answer 4

EORTC QL questionnaire Core-30

FACT (functional assessment of cancer therapy

Question 5

Name 2 cancer-site specific QoL assessments

Answer 5

breast cancer chemotherapy questionnaire

EORTC lung cancer module

Question 6

Name a psychiatric diagnostic tools

Answer 6

hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale

Question 7

Name a general physical functioning tool

Answer 7

Karnofsky performance status, WHO performance status

Question 8

N&V assessment

Answer 8

Morrow assessment of nausea and emesis (NAME

Rhodes Index of nausea and vomiting (INV)

Question 9

Pain questionnaire

Answer 9

McGill Pain questionnaire (MPQ)

Memorial pain assessment card (MPAC)

Question 10

What is QALY?

Answer 10

Quality-adjusted life years - assess the survival or quality of time without symptoms or treatment side effects (QTWIST)

Question 11

What scales can be used to identify depression and anxiety in cancer patients?

Answer 11

HAD scale and Rotterdam checklist