Premium
Quality of life before and one year following stem cell transplantation using an individualized and a standardized instrument
Author(s) -
Wettergren L.,
Sprangers M.,
Björkholm M.,
LangiusEklöf A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.1240
Subject(s) - quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , transplantation , disease , norm (philosophy) , schedule , gerontology , physical therapy , psychology , nursing , political science , computer science , law , operating system
Objective : The aim was to prospectively measure quality of life in patients with malignant blood disorders following stem cell transplantation (SCT) using an individualized and a standardized measure. Methods : Twenty‐two consecutive patients were assessed before and one year following SCT, using a generic and disease‐related version of the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life‐Direct Weighting (SEIQoL‐DW) and the EORTC QLQ‐C30. Results of the QLQ‐C30 were compared with Swedish norm values. Results : A majority of the patients reported concerns related to health before as well as one year after SCT, recorded by both instruments. Mean scores produced by the SEIQoL‐DW, and four scales of the EORTC QLQ‐C30, showed a change over time, indicating improved quality of life one year after SCT. In comparison with Swedish norm values for the EORTC QLQ‐C30, SCT recipients reported a worse functioning. Conclusions : In addition to well‐known disease and treatment‐related problems, areas not typically included in standardized instruments were nominated in the disease‐related SEIQoL‐DW. Such areas included positive aspects, e.g. a changed view of life and oneself. The results support the use of the generic and disease‐related SEIQoL‐DW to achieve a comprehensive picture of patient's clinical situation under treatment or when recovering from illness. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.