The value and quality of Life

2000 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Downie
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Value Of Life ◽  
Greek Myth ◽  
Complex Evaluation

A medical view on ‘the value of life’ can be inferred from medical accounts of the quality of life: a life has value if it embodies certain qualities. Scales have been developed to quantify quality of life. While the term ‘quality of life’ is used frequently in everyday discourse, perceptions of what it might actually mean differ greatly and are often incompatible. This incompatibility can be illustrated through an examination and extension of the Greek myth of Sisyphus. The different models explored in this paper rest on ‘significant toil’, ‘choice’, ‘happiness or well-being’, or ‘social factors’ being the prerequisite for quality of existence. These models are incommensurable and, as intangible concepts, cannot be quantified. Decision-making in medicine does not require a complex evaluation of the quality of life: it consists of the doctor's offer of treatment based on the best evidence, and the patient's consent to, or refusal of, that offer. Apart from the need to obtain consent, the main ethical constraint on the doctor is equity.

Improving the Perception of Patient-Centered Wellness in a Virtual Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. JDNP-D-20-00078
Author(s):  
Sybilla Myers ◽  
Christopher Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Shared Decision Making ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
The Social

BackgroundPerceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is fundamental to well-being and is a meaningful way to measure physical and mental health.Local ProblemNo standard method exists for measuring perceived HRQOL during the COVID-19 pandemic in participants as they attempt to improve their self-determined wellness goals. An implementation plan that considers the social distancing limitations imposed can be used to predict an individual’s likelihood of long-term success.MethodsDuring the four, 2-week plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles, the Social Cognitive Theory model informed the implementation of the four core interventions. To guide iterative changes, the data was analyzed through Excel and run charts.InterventionsThe four core interventions were the shared decision-making tool (SDMT), health mobile app tool (HMAT), wellness tracker tool (WTT), and the team engagement plan.ResultsAmong 28 participants, perceived quality of life increased by 70%, engagement in shared decision-making increased to 82%, app use and confidence increased to 85%, and goal attainment reached 81%.ConclusionsThe SDMT, health app, and wellness tracker created a methodical plan of accountability for increasing participant wellness. The contextual barrier of the COVID-19 pandemic added a negative wellness burden which was mitigated by creating a patient-centered culture of wellness.

scholarly journals Cronic Kidney Disease, Life Quality Assessment Of Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Marsida Duli ◽  
Qamil Dika ◽  
Matilda Bushati
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Important Indicator

Assessing quality of life in patients with varying degrees of chronic kidney disease is an important issue because of its impact on clinical decision-making as increasing the efficiency of resources in the health system. Through this survey provided an attempt to assess the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. Commitment to maximize their functioning and well-being constitutes the essence of the purpose of health care. In recent decades elaborate SF 36 is cut by a gauge derive so simple and basic that helps to evaluate the function of the target of researchers, a certain age group, a disease or a treatment group. Short questionnaire forms SF36 instrument gauge is used to determine the level of quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure under the different stages of treatment with dialysis. The study involved 206 people, 112 from patients to Tirana and Shkodra and 94 healthy persons, who collaborated consensually for completing the questionnaires. Based on the results, the quality of life of dialysis patients is significantly worse than that of the healthy population and patients with other injuries less severe of renal function. Survey indicates that a more holistic approach to be used in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease including clinical decision making and patient perception. Precisely for this it is recommended to enter the practice of clinical interest that a set of questionnaires that provide information on patients' perception of health as an important indicator that facilitates the physician-patient collaboration in order to better treatment of the disease and increase the quality the life of the patient.

Care of the dying person

2020 ◽  
pp. 639-646
Author(s):  
Suzanne Kite ◽  
Adam Hurlow
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Life And Death ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Individualized Decision ◽  
Care Of The Dying

The care a patient receives in the last hours to days of life is important: it has a significant impact on their quality of life and death, and on the psychological well-being of their loved ones and the team delivering care. Most deaths are not sudden or unexpected, but recognition that a patient is dying is challenging. Clinicians’ estimates of survival are often inaccurate, with a tendency towards over-optimism, yet clinical teams must be able to agree goals and care plans with patients and their loved ones while acknowledging and communicating the uncertainty inherent to prognostication. Shared individualized decision-making is essential: patients must be offered the opportunity to participate in decisions, but a preference not to be involved should be respected. The aim must be to agree an individual plan of care that incorporates the needs and preferences of the person and those close to them.

scholarly journals Patient-Reported Roles in Decision-Making Among Asian Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Multicountry Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 238146832110613
Author(s):  
Semra Ozdemir ◽  
Chetna Malhotra ◽  
Irene Teo ◽  
Si Ning Germaine Tan ◽  
Wei Han Melvin Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Patient Involvement ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Joint Decision

Purpose. We investigated 1) perceived roles in decision-making among advanced cancer patients in 5 Asian countries 2) associations of patient characteristics with these roles, and 3) the association of perceived roles with quality of life and perceived quality of care. Methods. We surveyed 1585 patients with stage IV solid cancer. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to analyze associations of patient characteristics with decision-making roles. Multivariate regressions were used to analyze associations of decision-making roles with quality of life and care. Results. The most common perceived-role was no patient involvement. Most patients (73%) reported roles consistent with their preferences. Being male, nonminority, higher educated, aware of advanced cancer diagnosis, and knowledge of cancer diagnosis for ≥1 year were associated with higher levels of patient involvement in decision-making. Compared to no patient involvement, joint decision-making (together with physicians/family) was associated with higher social (β = 2.49, P < 0.01) and spiritual (β = 2.64, P < 0.01) well-being, and better quality of physician communication (β = 9.73, P < 0.01) and care coordination (β = 13.96, P < 0.01) while making decisions alone was associated with lower emotional (β = −1.43, P < 0.01), social (β = −2.39, P < 0.01), and spiritual (β = −2.98, P < 0.01) well-being. Conclusions. Findings suggest that a substantial number of advanced cancer patients were not (and preferred not to be) involved in decision-making. Despite this finding, joint decision-making together with physicians/family was associated with better quality of life and care. Implications. Physicians should explain the benefits of shared decision making to patients and encourage participation in decision-making, while ensuring that patients feel supported and do not find decision-making overwhelming.

scholarly journals Quality of Life after Total Glosso-Laryngectomy

2007 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanie Engelbrecht ◽  
Anita Van der Merwe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
South African ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multi Disciplinary Team

The article explores the quality of life of two participants who had undergone total glosso-laryngectomy as treatment for advanced tongue base cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and questions relating to the effects of treatment on physical, functional, social and psychological well-being were asked. Thematic analysis of the interviews was done to determine recurring themes in the answers of the participants. The findings showed that total glosso-laryngectomy has a significant impact on quality of life. A good quality of life can be maintained in a patient who has an extensive support structure and can achieve intelligible oral communication. Pre-operative counselling by a multi-disciplinary team is important for a person to make an informed decision regarding surgery for head and neck cancer. Shared decision-making needs to be addressed in the South African service delivery context.

scholarly journals Bioethical Quality of Life Concept Through the Eyes of Critics

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 71-77
Author(s):  
Kateryna Rassudina
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Value Of Life ◽  
Interdisciplinary Science ◽  
General Quality ◽  
American Authors ◽  
Qualitative Characteristics

Bioethics is an interdisciplinary science that deals with the moral aspects of medicine, biotechnology and the value of life in general. Quality of life concept is the basis for one of the models of bioethics. Its supporters understand the value of human life by relying on the categories of its qualitative characteristics. They argue that the value of life is relative and depends on certain criteria, and prove the permissibility to terminate it in some cases. Quality of life conception is criticized, above all, by those scholars who rely on religious ideas of the equal value and inviolability of all people’s lives. This article reveals several examples of such criticism in the works of Polish and American authors: T. Biesaga, H. Ciach, G. Hołub, P. Kieniewicz, R. P. George and P. Lee. Citing the arguments of that Christian thinkers, the author forms her own attitude to the problem. The ethical and ontological sources of quality of life concept, namely utilitarianism and naturalism, become the main object of criticism. It is significant that in the utilitarian appeal to maximize happiness as pleasure and calculate the gain or loss they see an attempt to establish the primacy of the overall well-being over an individual’s life as well as a reason for killing those individuals whose lives do not meet quality criteria and impair overall well-being. They also criticize such a consequence of the naturalistic view as reduction of the personality to its manifestations. The absence of such manifestations becomes for the supporters of the quality of life concept the basis for conclusion about a low quality of life of some individuals. One more critical remark towards the quality of life concept concern erasing of differences between humans and animals and their interests. The technocratic attitude that permits any manipulations of a human life if only they can be performed is criticized too. The author demonstrates that the fundamental fault of the quality of life concept which is criticized by all its opponents is a limited understanding of human nature and human life.

scholarly journals Medical and social factors and quality of life in patients with arterial hypertension: the role of the nurse

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4 (96)) ◽  
pp. 48-57
Author(s):  
H. Mararash
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits ◽  
Very High

The paper examines the role of medical and social factors, general well-being, and quality of life in patients with hypertension. The role of the nurse of the therapeutic department in the preventive training of patients is emphasized to form a healthy lifestyle and reduce the pathogenic impact of negative social factors.Objective – substantiation of the main measures for prevention of hypertension and improvement of quality of life by studying medico-social and social factors of patients' quality of life with arterial hypertension by nurses.Material and methods. The survey (by questionnaire) involved 120 patients with arterial hypertension consulted at the Municipal Institution "Polyclinic №1" in Chernivtsi, including: men – 43.3%, women – 56.7% aged from 23 to 79 years. With the help of the questionnaires, medical and social, sociological factors of influence, general well-being and quality of life were studied. The research was conducted according to all ethical rules, in particular, in compliance with the principles of voluntariness, confidentiality, research integrity. The results of the study were processed by conventional statistical methods using computer packages STATISTICA 10 and presented by the appropriate number of observations, percentages, and the exact value of p.Results. I and II degree AH prevailed among the examined individuals, and burdened heredity was found in 62.5% (75 people). Insufficient amount of vegetables and fruits, fish in the diet and salt intake of more than 5 g per day (60%) was found. The vast majority of respondents had a secondary special, less of respondents – higher education. Social status survey: 71.62% were employed, most worked full time. According to the survey, 22.09% of people noted excellent working conditions, 38.37% – good, satisfactory – 25.58%, and 13.96% poor working conditions. It was found that the percentage of patients (60.47%), among whom there are excellent and good sanitary and working conditions, exceeds the percentage of respondents with satisfactory and poor working conditions (39.53%). The majority of respondents (53.49%) indicated satisfactory and poor psychological working conditions, which slightly exceeded the number of employees with excellent and good working conditions (46.51%). The advantage of assessing excellent and good material and technical working conditions over excellent and good psychological conditions (60.47% vs. 46.51%) was revealed. The financial condition of the majority of respondents was assessed as average (42.5%). The level of QOL fluctuated from very high to extremely low. Factors that led to a decrease in the level of QOL are the following: the indicator of "health" (1.44), "social status" (1.48), "job satisfaction" (1.59), "social activity" (1.62). Social factors such as financial difficulties, additional work to increase income were reported as negative during the last 6 months by every second patient; deterioration of mutual understanding, deterioration of relations: husband / wife, children, parents, friends, the threat of unemployment for relatives – every third respondent.Conclusions 1. 120 Patients with hypertension have a burdened heredity (62,5%), insufficient consumption of the recommended amount of vegetables and fruits (25,83%), fish in the diet (12,5%), and excessive salt consumption (60%); the predominance of people is with secondary special education and workers (71,62%) with excellent and good sanitation and satisfactory and poor psychological working conditions (39,53%), with an average financial situation (42,5%) and fluctuations in the level of QOL from very high to extremely low. 2. Hypertension worsens the QOL of patients, which is manifested by a decrease in both physical and psychological states. 3. The ability of patients to adequately perceive their disease and form attitudes toward treatment and prevention depends on the level of education. 4. Social support, training and diagnosis of hypertension are significant predictors of commitment to prevention and treatment. 5. Education of patients with hypertension on the principles of a healthy lifestyle by nurses, assistance in reducing the pathogenic impact of negative social factors, the constant promotion of medical knowledge will contribute to the formation of a responsible attitude to maintaining their own health, prevent complications, improve the QOL and social adaptation.

scholarly journals Estudio cualitativo sobre discapacidad intelectual y trabajo protegido. La orientación como herramienta para mejorar la calidad de vida/Qualitative study of intellectual disability and sheltered work. Vocational guidance as a tool to improve quality of life

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Cristina Laborda Molla ◽  
Henar González Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Calidad De Vida ◽  
Discapacidad Intelectual

RESUMEN Introducción: El empleo es una herramienta clave para optimizar la inserción social y mejorar la calidad de vida (CV) de las personas con discapacidad intelectual (DI). Esta investigación estudia la calidad del empleo de personas con DI en Centros Especiales de Empleo (CEE) y en Centros Ocupacionales (CO). Método: Se desarrollaron 186 entrevistas semiestructuradas; 157 a empleados y 32 a empleadores de las dos tipologías de centros. Se recogió información referente a la naturaleza del centro, su organización, posibilidades de promoción y el nivel de bienestar de los trabajadores. Resultados: Los primeros datos muestran que existen tres elementos que determinan las posibilidades de desarrollo profesional de personas con DI y el nivel en la calidad de su empleo: la orientación profesional, la formación a lo largo de la vida y la intervención en procesos participativos. En función de ello se ha detectado que carecen de oportunidades para implicarse en los procesos de decisión de su vida sociolaboral, no tienen acceso generalizado a estudios postobligatorios reglados o de formación permanente y no existe el apoyo natural como elemento normalizador, entre otras. Conclusiones: La mejor ocupabilidad del colectivo depende de un proceso de orientación vital que abarque no sólo períodos de toma de decisiones y transición al mundo laboral, sino que se extienda a lo largo de toda su vida profesional. La finalidad es la mejora laboral para avanzar hacia la optimización de la calidad de vida.ABSTRACTIntroduction: Employment is a key tool to optimize social inclusion and improve quality of life (QoL) of people with Intellectual Disability (ID). This study explores the employment’s quality of workplace of people with ID in Special Employment Centers and Occupational Centers. Method: 186 semi-structured interviews were developed; 157 to employees and 32 to employers of the two types of centers. Information was collected regarding the nature of the center, its organization, possibilities for promotion and the level of workers well-being. Results: First data shows that there are three elements that determine the possibilities of professional development of people with ID and the level of quality of their employment: professional guidance, lifelong learning and intervention in participatory processes. As a result, they have been found to lack opportunities to become involved in the decision-making processes of their socio-labor life; they do not have widespread access to regulated post-compulsory studies or permanent training and there is no natural support as a normalizing element, among others. Conclusions: The better job placement of the collective depends on a process of vital orientation that includes not only periods of decision making and transition to work, but also extends throughout their professional life. The aim is to improve their work situation to advance towards the optimization of the quality of life.

scholarly journals P523 Survey to identify patient characteristics, treatment preferences and impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on quality of life across 7 countries in Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S499-S499
Author(s):  
G Fiorino ◽  
N Bent-Ennakhil ◽  
P Varriale ◽  
F Braegger ◽  
E Hoefkens
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stool Frequency ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background The treatment paradigm for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming increasingly diverse and complex. It is suggested that engaging patients through shared decision-making optimises treatment selection in line with clinical need and patient preference and expectations. This patient survey aimed to explore patients’ preferences towards attributes of currently available advanced therapies for IBD as well as the impact of IBD on patients’ quality of life (QoL) across 7 countries in Europe. The demographic profile of the study cohort and findings on the patient-rated impact of IBD on QoL are reported here. Methods An online, cross-sectional survey (October 2020 to January 2021) enrolling adults aged ≥18 years who self-reported having and being previously/currently treated for Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) was conducted across Europe (France, the UK, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands). Patient perspectives on IBD care and preferences regarding specific attributes of existing treatment options were explored using the Carenity platform and via partnerships with local organisations. This descriptive analysis evaluated the demographic and clinical profile of respondents, treatment management and impact on QoL. Results Overall, 686 patients (CD: 360; UC: 326) across 7 countries completed the survey. Among CD and UC patients, respectively, 71.9% and 57.7% were females; mean age (range) was 48.0 (19.0–77.0) and 50.0 (19.0–82.0) years; and mean disease duration (range) was 13.6 (0.2–49.1) and 11.0 (0.1–68.7) years. Overall, 37.5% of CD patients reported fistulising CD, and 9.4% (CD) and 10.1% (UC) of patients had a stoma or pouch; 76.7% (CD) and 78.5% (UC) of patients were being treated for IBD. Approximately 50.0% of patients with IBD were full-time or part-time employed at the time of survey. Abdominal pain, fatigue, and stool frequency were ranked by 83%, 79%, and 73% patients with CD, respectively, as the symptoms most impacting QoL; 79%, 71%, and 61% patients ranked energy status, general well-being and daily activities, respectively, as the most impacted aspects. Abdominal pain, stool frequency and fatigue were ranked by 73%, 72% and 67% patients with UC, respectively, as the symptoms most impacting QoL; the most impacted aspects were similar to those of patients with CD. Patients in both groups prioritised general well-being, energy status and daily activities as aspects for improvement through treatment. Conclusion This large European survey highlights the most impactful symptoms and QoL aspects from the patient perspective. These findings can support clinical decision-making and treatment strategies to improve treatment outcomes and patient QoL.

Perceived Overprotection and Its Association With Quality of Life in Dementia

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-134
Author(s):  
Mechthild Niemann-Mirmehdi ◽  
Andreas Häusler ◽  
Paul Gellert ◽  
Johanna Nordheim
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Patient Autonomy ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract. To date, few studies have focused on perceived overprotection from the perspective of people with dementia (PwD). In the present examination, the association of perceived overprotection in PwD is examined as an autonomy-restricting factor and thus negative for their mental well-being. Cross-sectional data from the prospective DYADEM study of 82 patient/partner dyads (mean age = 74.26) were used to investigate the association between overprotection, perceived stress, depression, and quality of life (QoL). The analyses show that an overprotective contact style with PwD has a significant positive association with stress and depression, and has a negative association with QoL. The results emphasize the importance of avoiding an overprotective care style and supporting patient autonomy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document