QUALITY-OF-LIFE - DEFINITION, CONCEPTUALIZATION AND IMPLICATIONS - A METHODOLOGISTS VIEW

From a methodological point of view, there are three basic questions regarding quality-of-life in surgery: (a) how to conceptually approach the term in order to make it an object of measurement; (b) how to identify quality-controlled measurement instruments; and (c) how to ensure the adequate use of these instruments in surgical studies. Within the framework of these questions, key issues are raised and reviewed here. In a conclusion, the state of the quality-of-life discussion in surgery is reviewed, future methodological activities are outlined and implications are highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on the interface of clinical and methodological perspectives in surgical quality-of-life research.