The QL-Index (where QL indicates "Quality of Life") is a simple instrument to allow physicians to rapidly assess a patient's quality of life. It was developed for patients with cancer but can be used in other clinical situations such as intensive care units.
Scoring:
(1) The finding for each parameter that most closely matches the patient's current condition is selected, and the corresponding points assigned.
(2) Typically the patient is assessed at intervals of weeks to months.
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
activity |
working or studying full time, or nearly so, in usual occupation, or managing own household, or participating in voluntary activities |
2 |
|
|
working or studying in usual occupation, or managing own household, or participating in voluntary activities, but requiring major assistance or reduction in hours worked, in a sheltered situation, or on sick leave |
1 |
|
|
not working or studying in any capacity and not managing own household |
0 |
|
daily living |
able to eat, wash, toilet and dress self; able to use public transport or drive own car |
2 |
|
|
requires assistance with daily activities and transport but able to perform light tasks |
1 |
|
|
unable to manage personal care or light tasks and/or unable to leave own home or institution |
0 |
|
health |
appearing to feel well or reporting feeling "great" most of the time |
2 |
|
|
lacking in energy, or not feeling entirely "up to par" more than occasionally |
1 |
|
|
feeling very ill or "lousy", weak and washed out most of the time, or patient unconscious |
0 |
|
support |
having good relationships with others and receiving strong support from at least one family member or friend |
2 |
|
|
receiving limited support from family or friends because of conditions |
1 |
|
|
receiving support from family/friends infrequently or only when absolutely necessary, or patient unconscious |
0 |
|
outlook |
usually appeared calm and positive in outlook, accepting and in control of personal circumstances and surroundings |
2 |
|
|
troubled sometimes because was not fully in control of personal circumstances, or has been having periods of anxiety or depression |
1 |
|
|
seriously confused or very frightened, or consistently anxious or depressed, or patient unconscious |
0 |
QL-index =
= (points for activity) + (points for daily living) + (points for health) + (points for support) + (points for outlook)
Interpretation:
• maximum score: 10
• minimum score: 0
• High scores better than low scores.
• Scores 0-3 are considered very low scores.
• The scores are best interpreted by trend analysis. Increasing scores indicates improvement while decreasing scores deterioration.
Limitations:
• Because of the intervals between assessments, this is better geared for patients with chronic conditions rather than acute disease.
Purpose: To use the QL-Index (Quality of Life Index) to quickly assess a patient's quality of life.
Objective: quality of life
ICD-10: C00-C14, C15-C26, C30-C39, C40-C41, C43-C44, C45-C49, C50-C50, C51-C58, C60-C63, C64-C68, C69-C72, C73-C75, C76-C80, C81-C96, C97-C97, D37-D48, N17-N19,
