ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN ORTHOPEDIC OUTCOMES STUDIES

The assessment of health-related quality of life is becoming increasin gly important in evaluating the effectiveness of orthopaedic intervent ions. This report provides an overview of issues related to the assess ment of quality of life in orthopaedic populations. Discussed are the definition and dimensions of health-related quality of life; the usefu lness of collecting quality of life data; methodological consideration s in designing outcomes' studies; the selection of quality of life ins truments; modes of instrument administration; and scoring.