Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is a broad concept that encompasses a person’s overall well-being, including their physical health, mental state, emotional well-being, and social functioning.
Unlike general quality of life, which can be influenced by a wide range of factors like income, employment, and education, HRQL specifically focuses on how an individual’s health affects their ability to enjoy life and fulfill their roles in society.
It considers the impact of diseases, disabilities, and disorders on everyday activities, comfort, and happiness, as well as the effectiveness of health interventions and treatments in improving these conditions.
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) provides a comprehensive view of a patient’s condition from their perspective, beyond what traditional clinical measures can capture.
It recognizes that healthcare’s ultimate goal is not just to prolong life but to improve its quality, allowing individuals to live their lives to the fullest despite health challenges. Assessing HRQL helps healthcare providers to tailor treatments to patient needs, monitor the impact of chronic diseases, and evaluate the outcomes of medical interventions.
Understanding HRQL can guide policy-making addressing areas of public health, healthcare planning, and patient care strategies, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to improve the aspects of health that matter most to patients’ quality of life.