BACKGROUND: Physical decline is experienced by all palliative care patients and affects most aspects of life. Physical functioning (PF) is therefore a crucial domain for quality of life (Qol) assessments. The purpose of this study was to review how PF assessments are performed in Qol instruments developed for palliative care METHODS: For identification of instruments, Medline searches up to April 2005 were performed using the terms (palliative care OR end of life care OR terminal care) AND quality of life AND (assessment OR instrument OR questionnaire). A total of 1326 hits were screened. Named QoL instruments were extracted from 240 abstracts and 46 relevant reports. Items assessing PF were then identified and classified according to activity domains as described by the WHO International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health. RESULTS: Of 224 different instruments detected, 39 were identified as developed for palliative care. Of these, 11 included original PF assessments. Two were comprehensive performance status measures made for staff assessment, 9 were multidimensional tools including 2-7 PF items. The content and phrasing of items varied considerably. All instruments included some aspects of self-care, whereas the coverage of mobility, domestic, work--and leisure activities was inconsistent. INTERPRETATION: Despite its importance, PF assessment seems to be a minor part of palliative care QoL instruments. Clear definitions and conceptualization of PF are needed, as well as a consensus on relevant aspects to include in improved instruments. Performance scales already developed should be further explored with regard to content, validity and psychometric properties.
BACKGROUND: Physical decline is experienced by all palliative care patients and affects most aspects of life. Physical functioning (PF) is therefore a crucial domain for quality of life (Qol) assessments. The purpose of this study was to review how PF assessments are performed in Qol instruments developed for palliative care METHODS: For identification of instruments, Medline searches up to April 2005 were performed using the terms (palliative care OR end of life care OR terminal care) AND quality of life AND (assessment OR instrument OR questionnaire). A total of 1326 hits were screened. Named QoL instruments were extracted from 240 abstracts and 46 relevant reports. Items assessing PF were then identified and classified according to activity domains as described by the WHO International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health. RESULTS: Of 224 different instruments detected, 39 were identified as developed for palliative care. Of these, 11 included original PF assessments. Two were comprehensive performance status measures made for staff assessment, 9 were multidimensional tools including 2-7 PF items. The content and phrasing of items varied considerably. All instruments included some aspects of self-care, whereas the coverage of mobility, domestic, work--and leisure activities was inconsistent. INTERPRETATION: Despite its importance, PF assessment seems to be a minor part of palliative care QoL instruments. Clear definitions and conceptualization of PF are needed, as well as a consensus on relevant aspects to include in improved instruments. Performance scales already developed should be further explored with regard to content, validity and psychometric properties.
Authors: Jorunn L Helbostad; Line M Oldervoll; Peter M Fayers; Marit S Jordhøy; Kenneth C H Fearon; Florian Strasser; Stein Kaasa Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2010-03-26 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Camilla Zimmermann; Debika Burman; Nadia Swami; Monika K Krzyzanowska; Natasha Leighl; Malcolm Moore; Gary Rodin; Ian Tannock Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2010-03-30 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Line M Oldervoll; Jon H Loge; Stian Lydersen; Hanne Paltiel; May B Asp; Unni V Nygaard; Elisabeth Oredalen; Tone L Frantzen; Ingvild Lesteberg; Lise Amundsen; Marianne J Hjermstad; Dagny F Haugen; Ørnulf Paulsen; Stein Kaasa Journal: Oncologist Date: 2011-09-26
Authors: Janneke van Roij; Heidi Fransen; Lonneke van de Poll-Franse; Myrte Zijlstra; Natasja Raijmakers Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2018-02-10 Impact factor: 4.147
Authors: Martin Mueller; Stefanie Lohmann; Paul Thul; Arved Weimann; Eva Grill Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2010-04-16 Impact factor: 3.186
Authors: Marianne Ahlner Elmqvist; Marit S Jordhøy; Kristin Bjordal; Stein Kaasa; Magnus Jannert Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2008-06-26 Impact factor: 3.603