A NEW QUALITY-OF-LIFE MEASURE FOR ONCOLOGY - THE SEIQOL

This study marks the first time the Schedule for the Evaluation of Ind ividual Quality of Life (SEIQoL) has been used with an oncology popula tion. The SEIQoL is designed to attain a greater level of individual s ubjectivity in reports on quality of life than is achieved with standa rd measures of quality of life. The instrument's feasibility for use i n oncology was assessed with a sample of 15 patients with early stage prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy. An overview of its administ ration, scoring, and depiction of quality of life is provided. The mea sure also is compared with a standard quality-of-life measure-the Euro pean Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). The authors suggest that the most appropriate use for the SEIQoL is as a clinical assessment tool with r elatively healthy individual patients, whereas standard, brief measure s may be more practical for use with large samples of patients or rela tively unhealthy patients or when predetermined quality-of-life concer ns are addressed. Relevant clinical and research issues are addressed.