The SF-36: an instrument for measuring quality of life in ESRD patients

Abstract

This paper provides a review of four studies, which use the generic Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) to investigate the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease. Both English and translated versions of this instrument have been demonstrated to be valid. It is difficult however, to compare results from western and eastern populations as cultural differences may influence how people rate their quality of life. The SF-36 has been demonstrated to be a valid instrument when used to measure the quality of life of ESRD patients. Research findings from Europe and the United Kingdom demonstrate that patients who are treated with a successful renal transplant can experience a QOL which, is superior to that achieved with any dialysis modality and which is very close to the QOL scores of the general population. It is acknowledged that while the studies cited in this article all used the SF-36 the research design employed in each instance is not exactly comparable, and any conclusions drawn here require further testing.