Comparison of two modes of administration of a personalized quality of life scale in a longitudinal study of total hip arthroplasty

Quality of life scales are being increasingly used to evaluate patients. Th e earliest scales were standardized questionnaire that did not necessarily provide an optimal evaluation of the quality of life of each individual pat ient. A number of personalized scales are now available, including the SEIQ oL, in which the patients nominate the five quality of life areas most impo rtant to them. The SEIQoL has been validated. We tested the SEIQoL in patie nts treated by total hip arthroplasty, a procedure that is expected to impr ove quality of life. Objective. To compare two methods of administration of the SEIQoL several months after total hip arthroplasty. Methods, The SEIQo L was administered before and after the arthroplasty. During the post-opera tive test session, the SEIQoL was administered twice, once using the items nominated preoperatively and once after allowing the patient to repeat the nomination procedure. Results. With bath methods, significant improvements in quality of life were demonstrated (P < 0.05). There was no significant d ifference between the two methods. Conclusion. Changing the items of the SE IQoL during prospective studies does not modify the overall quality of life score. Keeping the same items throughout the study is nevertheless warrant ed. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.