Advances in Measuring Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Cancer Care

ObjectiveTo provide practical guidance for the selection and use of quality-of-life (QOL) instruments for research and clinical practice.Data SourcesPublished articles, books, and web resources.ConclusionEven among instruments designed specifically to measure QOIL, there are vast differences in what they actually measure. The choice of instrument can make the difference between whether real changes in QOL are captured or not.Implications for Nursing PracticeQOL outcomes are ideal for determining the efficacy and impact of cancer care. Incorporating QOL into standard clinical practice holds great promise for improving communication with health care providers, with a resultant improvement in patient outcomes.