Quality of Life Measurement
[ EL023 ]

In recent years, the patient's assessment of quality of life has developed to an important outcome measure in epidemiology and health services research. Moreover, quality of life measures are increasingly used as criteria in reimbursement policy, most notably in QALY-analysis.

The aim of the course is to provide the participants first, with a review of the instruments currently available; Second, participants are provided with the knowledge required to select measures of quality of life that are both valid and sensitive for the research objectives of the participants;

Third, participants will acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary to adjust standard measures of quality of life instruments for their specific disease area’s, with a special focus on reimbursement. The programme consists of presentations, exercises and demonstrations of practical issues. Participants are invited to email their specific interest at forehand, and these topic will be discussed during the course.

Programme:

• Background of ‘health status' and ‘quality of life’.

• Main principles of construction of a quality of life questionnaire.

• Available instruments.

Application.

• Adaptation instruments for specific research questions: increase sensitivity.

• QALY-analysis.

• Practical and ethical value of measuring quality of life in a reimbursement setting.

A facultative pre-course virtual welcome reception will be hosted on the Friday before the official start of the course. We highly recommend you attend this event as well!

• After completing this course, the student can evaluate quality of life instruments with respect to validity and sensitivity

• After completing this course, the student can create a test battery by choosing the correct quality of life measurement questionnaires to answer a particular research question

• Recognize the difference between in perspective on quality of life between the societal view and the patient view.

Introductory level of epidemiology.

Assignment(s), Attendance

T.B.A.