Health-related quality of life in peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

It is now possible for the clinician to use multidimensional measures to assess the quality of life of their patients. Some of the more widely used instruments to measure HRQOL are the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36, the Nottingham Health Profile, the Sickness Impact Profile, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument. Potential uses of quality of life assessment tools include: (1) monitoring the health and social status of a given population, (2) evaluating health care policy, (3) conducting clinical trials, (4) assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation services, (5) justifying the allocation of limited social and health care resources, and (6) tailoring management to the needs of the patient.