The problem of quality of life in medicine

Article Abstract:

There are many problems with the current methods used to measure quality of life. Many questionnaires have been developed but they were designed by physicians and social scientists. Consequently, they may not focus on patients' concerns. Physicians sometimes believe that all patients should aspire to the same quality of life. The Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) was devised to ensure that all medical treatments could be assessed by the same yardstick. However, quality of life is a very subjective measurement. One positive aspect of quality of life measures is that they take patients' concerns into account.

Psychological aspects, Measurement, Quality of life, Patients

---

Computers and the quality of care - a clinician's perspective

Article Abstract:

A computer-assisted program to manage infections in intensive care patients at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah illustrates the tremendous clinical benefit of such tools. LDS Hospital has a long history of developing computerized systems by clinical staff for use by engaged and cooperative physicians. The system provides patient-specific recommendations based on local treatment protocols and established authorities in an interactive way. Most hospitals have the computers to install such a system, but successful implementation requires commitment and cooperation throughout the facility.

Editorial, Analysis, Medicine, Technology application, Computer-aided medical diagnosis, Computer aided medical diagnosis, Drug therapy, Information storage and retrieval systems

---

Quality care in the South Pacific

Article Abstract:

The government of the Cook Islands has created a program of health care services for remote communities. With support from the World Health Organization, nurse practitioners reach out to almost half of the 19,000 residents who are spread out over an 800,000-square mile area of 11 islands.

Medical care, Social policy, Cook Islands

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The quality of life, research, and care. Quality wound care equals cost-effective wound care: a clinical model
• Abstracts: Plasma levels of fluphenazine in patients receiving fluphenazine decanoate: relationship to clinical response. part 2
• Abstracts: Essential fatty acids and inflammation. Heterologous antisera and antivenins are essential biologicals: perspectives on a worldwide crisis
• Abstracts: The row less taken. Beware the well-dressed airport crook. Dressing well for less
• Abstracts: Alcohol and health: The pros and the cons. Alcohol: caution is advised. On a binge: women and alcohol on campus

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.