Feasibility of Measuring Quality of Life in Liver Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Jolie J. Gutteling, Jan J.V. Busschbach, Robert A. de Man, Anne-Sophie E. Darlington
Primary Institution: Erasmus MC
Hypothesis
What are the technical and logistical challenges of implementing routine computerized health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement in clinical practice?
Conclusion
The study identified several barriers to implementing computerized HRQoL measurements, but physicians generally had positive attitudes towards its use.
Supporting Evidence
- Physicians requested HRQoL information in 92% of consultations.
- Patients completed HRQoL questionnaires only 43% of the time.
- The main reason for non-compliance was forgetting to complete the questionnaires.
Takeaway
This study looked at how easy or hard it is to use computers to ask liver patients about their quality of life, and found that while there were some challenges, doctors liked having this information.
Methodology
The study involved observing patients' ability to complete HRQoL questionnaires and assessing physicians' attitudes through interviews and checklists.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data from patients and physicians.
Limitations
A high number of non-participants and language barriers limited the study's inclusivity.
Participant Demographics
The study included 587 patients with chronic liver disease, with a mean age of 48.1 years, and 11 physicians.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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