Quality of Life: Concept Analysis

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is a concept commonly used within healthcare but lacks consensus. A concept that has been commonly associated with adherence, morbidity, and health outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to clarify the concept of QOL and identify the conceptualizations behind it and to provide some insights to QOL research. Design: Concept analysis according to Walker and Avant, consist of eight steps: select concept, determine purpose, identify uses, determine defining attributes, identify model case, identify additional cases, identify antecedents and consequences, and define empirical referents. Results: The fact that quality of life is subjective, and the most crucial lesson advanced practice nurses should learn from this investigation. However, in the absence of subjective evaluations of quality of life, objective evaluations can be done by people who were close to the patient and may understand what they would have appreciated. Though many of the characteristics of quality of life are measured, it is crucial to keep in mind that each person's priorities ultimately define what is important to them. When deciding on care goals and treatment plans, these must be made in collaboration with the patient so that the patient can determine what he/she values and what would improve his/her quality of life. Conclusion: The practitioner needs to put aside his/her personal opinions on what would improve the quality of life and instead listen to the patient’s wishes and goals. Quality of life is ultimately what an individual says it is, and when that is heard and respected, the highest and most individualized quality of care can be provided.

Quality of Life in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease—Multicenter POLASPIRE II Study

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO), quality of life is "an individual's way of perceiving his or her life position in the cultural context and value system in which he or she lives and in relation to the tasks, expectations, and standards determined by environmental conditions" [1,2]. Studying the quality of life in the medical concept means identifying problems resulting from the disease and the treatment used and relating to human activity in the physical, mental and social sense and describing the patient's views on health and their subjective well-being [3,4].…”

Using Technology to Enhance Community Health and Territorial Resources Access

“…There is an urgent demand to provide innovative healthcare services that include paradigm shifts and personalised care, considering individuals' needs not only as patients living with different morbidities but also as members of a community. Various technologies can be leveraged to improve the health and care of a population by taking advantage of territorial resources such as social development initiatives, employment opportunities, areas for physical activities and social communal spaces, among others that have the potential to impact on Quality of Life (QoL) and lead to an increase in empowerment and resilience [2]. The primary component of QoL is the individual subjective experience of well-being, which comprises physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects.…”

“…Accordingly, in 2021, WHO recognised the profound impact of social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental factors on both physical and mental health, which unfold not only the geographical aspect but encompass diverse national policies, social protection, living standards, working conditions and social support network, among others [4]. Specific population contexts (e.g., poverty, chronic morbidities, vulnerable population such as children, adolescents, elderly individuals and minorities exposed to violence, negligence, mistreatment, and/or discrimination) as well as exposure to conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, all can act significantly in detriment of mental health, changing the individuals' perception of wellbeing [2,5]. As a complex and multidimensional measure, with both subjective and objective domains, this work focuses on the multiple aspects that can modify HrQoL.…”