Quality of life can be measured using different scales

Key message: Quality of life can be measured using different scales.

Background
Heinrichs-Carpenter Quality of Life Scale (QLS).^{[Bilker et al., 2003; Cramer et al., 2001]}

The QLS balances subjective questions regarding life satisfaction and occupational role functioning.
It consists of a 21-item scale, with behavioral anchors presented for each item, scored on a 0 (severe impairment) to 6 (high functioning) scale.
The four independent theoretical constructs assessed are intrapsychic foundations (measures related to sense of purpose and motivation), interpersonal relations (examining social experience), instrumental role (related to work functioning), common objects and activities (which measures engagement in the community by possession of common objects and participation in a range of activities).
When administered by a trained clinician as a semi-structured interview, the scale provides information on symptoms and functioning during the 4 weeks prior to assessment.

Health-related quality of life among people with schizophrenia (S-QoL)^{[Auquier et al., 2003]}

The S-QoL, based on Calman’s approach to the subject’s point of view, is a multidimensional instrument that is sensitive to change.
It consists of a 41-item questionnaire with eight subscales (psychological well-being, self-esteem, family relationships, relationships with friends, resilience, physical well-being, autonomy and sentimental life) and a total score.
Each item is scored on a five-point Likert scale, anchored at the ends from 1 (less than expected) to 5 (more than expected). The negatively worded item scores are reversed.
All scales are linearly transformed to a 0–100 scale, with 100 indicating the most favourable quality of life, and 0 the least favourable.
The S-QoL is administered by subject self-report; it is not intended to replace conventional outcome measures, however, it adds important information to that traditionally collected in psychiatry.

References:
Bilker WB, et al. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003; 28(4): 773–7.

Cramer J, et al. Schizophr Bull. 2001; 27(2): 227–34.

Auquier P, et al. Schizophr Res. 2003; 63(1–2): 137–49.