The Science behind Quality-of-Life Measurement: A Primer for Plastic Surgeons

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe how questionnaires that measure quality of life are ideally developed; 2. Understand the main tests and criteria that are used to evaluate questionnaires; 3. Recognize the limitations of existing questionnaires and consider the value of newer methods that may increase their utility. Summary: Plastic surgeons perform a wide range of surgical procedures that have diverse clinical goals and complex effects on patients' lives. In recent years, quality-of-life outcomes have become increasingly important to clinical practice and plastic surgery research. It is important, therefore, that plastic surgeons understand the scientific issues surrounding the appropriate development and use of questionnaires that measure quality of life; they may then directly shape how new measures are developed and used, and define the future of outcome measurement in plastic surgery. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 123: 98e, 2009.)