Health-related quality of life research and the capability approach of Amartya Sen

Standardised health-related quality of life questionnaires play an increasi ng role as measures of outcome in the evaluation of health care interventio ns. However, problems can arise when the selected functions or dimensions o f such standardised measures are not in line with the intervention that is the focus of the research. Furthermore, the subjective element of quality o f life makes standardised questionnaires vulnerable to the coping mechanism , thereby decreasing their sensitivity. The capability approach of the econ omist and philosopher Amartya Sen offers a descriptive concept that contrib utes to a better understanding of these problems. This article provides an introduction to the ideas of Sen for researchers who wish to go beyond the traditional framework of measuring health-related quality of life.