Article

PURPOSE: To examine the constructs of quality of life (QoL) as applied to
whiplash associated disorder (WAD), its current state of measurement and
suggestions for future application. METHOD: Narrative literature review. RESULTS:
The burden of WAD on the healthcare system is substantive. Assessment of QoL
issues for people with WAD may provide a broader understanding of the patient
experience. No consistent framework for QoL in WAD has been adopted, nor has
preference for any QoL instrument been established. Inconsistent use of
terminology for what is being measured, and the measures themselves hamper
clarity on the issue. Options for assessing QoL currently include a meaningful
condition-specific scale that has not undergone sufficient psychometric
evaluation (Whiplash Disability Questionnaire (WDQ), or generic scales with
strong psychometric properties that have not undergone sufficient relevancy
evaluation (e.g. SF-36, WHOQOL BREF). Generic measures can measure overlapping
constructs including heath status, utility, health-related quality of life or
generic QoL. The inter-relationships between these in WAD have not been defined.
CONCLUSIONS: Given the impact of WAD on QoL, additional clarity on tools and
approaches are needed.
There is a need for research on the relevance and clinical
measurement properties of available condition-specific and generic tools to
define a preferred measurement approach in WAD.
CI - (c) 2012 Informa UK, Ltd.

Langue : ANGLAIS