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How do you explain quality of life to patients and families so the involved parties address these issues and degree of suffering before end of life?
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TimothyMoynihanMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 06 / 16 / 2012
Quality of life is a term that is being used more frequently and can be very confusing. Quality of life is a very subjective term and must be individualized to each patient. Your doctor should ask you to define what quality means to you. To some people it is the ability to stay in control, others it is relief of pain or other distressing symptoms, to others it means living as long as possible regardless of what side effects a treatment may bring and to others it may mean staying out of the hospital and away from any intensive treatments. So, I do not try to tell any patient what quality of life is, but rather to explore what quality of life means to the patient, then try to formulate a plan with the patient to maximize their individual quality of life.
It is crucial for patients to let their families and loved ones know what their goals are and what provides quality for their life. This will enhance their cares and allow them to stay in control of their care until the end of life, even when it gets to the point when the patient can no longer speak for themselves. If this information is shared with the family it also relieves the family of the burden of having to make decisions for the patient when they may not know exactly what the patient would want.
It is crucial for patients to let their families and loved ones know what their goals are and what provides quality for their life. This will enhance their cares and allow them to stay in control of their care until the end of life, even when it gets to the point when the patient can no longer speak for themselves. If this information is shared with the family it also relieves the family of the burden of having to make decisions for the patient when they may not know exactly what the patient would want.
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