Demonstration of the validity of the SF-36 for measurement of the temporal recovery of quality of life outcomes in burns survivors

Objective

Outcome assessment after burn is complex. Determination of quality of life is often measured using the Burns Specific Health Scale (BSHS), a validated tool in the burn population. The SF-36 is a generic quality of life questionnaire that is validated for numerous populations, but not in burns. The aim of the study was to examine the validity of SF-36, using the BSHS as a reference.

Methods

280 burn patients were recruited at Royal Perth Hospital. Each completed SF-36 and BSHS-B at regular intervals to 2 years after burn. Regression modelling was used to assess the temporal validity and the relative sensitivity of the measures.

Results

SF-36 domains and BSHS-B demonstrated significant associations at all time points (r = 0.37–0.76, p < 0.002). In the months after burn, SF-36 domains: role physical; bodily pain; social function and role emotional outperformed BSHS-B total score and domain scores. Greater measurement sensitivity was demonstrated in all SF-36 summary and subscales measures (except General Health) when compared to BSHS-B and sub-domains.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated SF-36 as a valid measure of recovery of quality of life in the burn patient population. The data suggests that SF-36 components were more sensitive to change than the BSHS-B from ∼1 month after injury.     

12-year trajectory of health-related quality of life in gastric bypass patients versus comparison groups

Background

Few prospective studies compare long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes between bariatric surgery patients and individuals with severe obesity who do not undergo bariatric surgery.

Classification of quality of life subscales within the ICF framework in burn research: Identifying overlaps and gaps

ObjectiveQuality of life (QOL) is one of the leading outcomes in burn care research. This study classifies subscales of common QOL measures within the International Classification of Functioning disability and health (ICF) framework to determine to which extent the measures are complementary or overlapping and to investigate whether the instruments are able to describe the full spectrum of patients’ functioning.MethodsA literature search was performed to determine the most frequently used questionnaires in burn research. The subscales of the three mostly used questionnaires were classified within the ICF framework.ResultsTwo generic measures, the Short Form-36 items (SF-36) and the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), and a disease specific measure, the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B), were analyzed. The BSHS-B covered most domains and was the only scale that included personal factors. The SF-36 included only one domain in the activity limitations and similar to the EQ-5D no contextual factors were included. Environmental factors were not addressed in the questionnaires, even though these may have an impact on the quality of life in patients with burns.ConclusionTo capture the full spectrum of dysfunctioning a combination of the BSHS-B with a generic questionnaire seems obligatory. However still some domains of functioning remain uncovered.     

Long term health-related quality of life after burns is strongly dependent on pre-existing disease and psychosocial issues and less due to the burn itself

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is reduced after a burn, and is affected by coexisting conditions. The aims of the investigation were to examine and describe effects of coexisting disease on HRQoL, and to quantify the proportion of burned people whose HRQoL was below that of a reference group matched for age, gender, and coexisting conditions.

Method

A nationwide study covering 9 years and examined HRQoL 12 and 24 months after the burn with the SF-36 questionnaire. The reference group was from the referral area of one of the hospitals.

Results

The HRQoL of the burned patients was below that of the reference group mainly in the mental dimensions, and only single patients were affected in the physical dimensions. The factor that significantly affected most HRQoL dimensions (n = 6) after the burn was unemployment, whereas only smaller effects could be attributed directly to the burn.

Conclusion

Poor HRQoL was recorded for only a small number of patients, and the decline were mostly in the mental dimensions when compared with a group adjusted for age, gender, and coexisting conditions. Factors other than the burn itself, such as mainly unemployment and pre-existing disease, were most important for the long term HRQoL experience in these patients.     

Health-related quality of life in adults after repair of congenital diaphragmatic defects--a questionnaire study

Background and Aim

Long-term respiratory, gastrointestinal, and vertebral sequelae are common after repair of congenital diaphragmatic defects (CDDs). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of these sequelae on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adult survivors after CDD repair.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire, including 36-Item Health Survey Form (SF-36), 36-item Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), 55-item Psychosocial Survey, 9-item survey for Respiratory Symptoms-Related Quality of Life Index, and a symptoms query, was sent to 94 adult survivors of CDD and to 400 healthy control subjects. One SD lower than the age-adjusted national average in the 36-Item Health Survey Form score for physical or mental health was considered as low HRQoL.

Results

Sixty-nine patients with CDD (72%) and 162 (41%) control subjects returned the questionnaire. The initial presentation was critical in less than 10% of patients with CDD. Forty-five patients with diaphragmatic hernia had primary closure; in 1 patient with diaphragmatic hernia, a patch was used. Twenty-four patients had plication of diaphragmatic eventration. The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (20% vs 2%), recurrent intestinal obstruction (7% vs 0%), and recurrent abdominal pain (12% vs 2%) was significantly higher in patients with CDD than in control subjects, whereas no difference in the incidence of respiratory, musculoskeletal, or other health problems not associated with CDD was found. Scores in GIQLI, Psychosocial Survey, and Respiratory Symptoms-Related Quality of Life Index did not differ between patients with CDD and control subjects. Health-related quality of life was low in 17 (25%) of 69 patients with CDD, which exceeded 1.5 times the expected value. There was no correlation between the type or severity of the primary defect and HRQoL at the time of the study.

Conclusion

Most adults with repaired CDD have good or satisfactory HRQoL. Congenital diaphragmatic defect-associated symptoms with or without acquired diseases significantly impair HRQoL in one fourth of the patients.     

冠状动脉旁路移植术后病人生存质量探讨

目的观察研究冠状动脉旁路移植（CABG）术病人术前、术后生存质量（QoL）。方法分为体外循环手术组（ONCAB）和非体外循环手术（OPCAB）组，于手术前1周内、术后3个月和6个月进行西雅图心绞痛调查表（SAQ）和SF-36量表的测评。结果SAQ各项内容评分，术前以心绞痛稳定状态（AS）得分最低，术后各项目有明显好转；SF-36的生理健康内容（PCS）和心理健康内容（MCS）在术后均有不同程度改善；ONCAB和OPCAB两组之间各纬度得分在术后3．6个月比较差异均无统计学意义。结论冠状动脉旁路移植术后病人生活质量提高。ONCAB和OPCAB组生存质量比较差异无统计学意义。     

Five years' experience of the modified Meek technique in the management of extensive burns

BACKGROUND: The Meek technique of skin expansion is useful for covering a large open wound with a small piece of skin graft, but requires a carefully followed protocol. METHODS: Over the past 5 years, a skin graft expansion technique following the Meek principle was used to treat 37 individuals who had sustained third degree burns involving more than 40% of the body surface. A scheme was devised whereby the body was divided into six areas, in order to clarify the optimal order of wound debridements and skin grafting procedures as well as the regimen of aftercare. RESULTS: The mean body surface involvement was 72.9% and the mean area of third degree burns was 41%. The average number of operations required was 1.84. There were four deaths among in this group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Meek technique of skin expansion and the suggested protocol are together efficient and effective in covering an open wound, particularly where there is a paucity of skin graft donor sites.     

The association between post-concussion symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with mild traumatic brain injury

A subset of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients experience post-concussion symptoms. When a cluster of post-concussion symptoms persists for over three months, it is referred to as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Little is known about the association between PCS and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) after mTBI. The aims of this study were to assess the implications of PCS on HRQoL six months after mTBI and the relationship between PCS and HRQoL domains. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted among a sample of mTBI patients. Follow-up postal questionnaires at six months after emergency department (ED) admission included socio-demographic information, the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), and HRQoL measured with the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Perceived Quality of Life Scale (PQoL). In total, 731 mTBI patients were included, of whom 38.7% were classified as suffering from PCS. Patients with PCS had significantly lower scores on all SF-36 domains, lower physical and mental component summary scores and lower mean PQoL scores compared to patients without PCS. All items of the RPQ were negatively correlated to all SF-36 domains and PQoL subscale scores, indicating that reporting problems on any of the RPQ symptoms was associated with a decrease on different aspects of an individuals’ HRQoL. To conclude, PCS is common following mTBI and patients with PCS have a considerably lower HRQoL. A better understanding of the relationship between PCS and HRQoL and possible mediating factors in this relationship could improve intervention strategies, the recovery process for mTBI patients and benchmarking.     

Quality of life of adult patients with severe burns

Background

Burns are one of the most significant health problems throughout the world, leading to prolonged hospitalisation and hence increased expense for the patients, their families and society. Today, the prognosis of patients with burns is dependent, apart from adequate treatment, upon the health-care system and health-care professionals, regarding not only survival, but also lifelong quality of life. This study aims to assess quality of life of adult patients with severe burns.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted on 100 adult patients with severe burns in the burn outpatient clinic (male and female) at Mansoura University Hospital. Parameters of burn and Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS-B) were used to assess quality of life following burns.

Results

The study revealed that burns has negative impact on most dimensions of the quality of life of patients with burns.

Conclusions

The quality of life for people who have sustained a burns should be recognised and valued by the burn team in all phases of burn care.     

Socio-economic and clinical factors predictive of paediatric quality of life post burn

Burns represent the second most common cause of non-intentional death in children under the age of five. Burns are amongst the most traumatic injuries and may impose significant psychological, educational, social and future occupational limitations to the young child.This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the socio-economic and clinical factors which predict quality of life in children with burn in a burns unit in South Africa.The Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the Household Economic and Social Status Index (HESSI) questionnaires were administered to children and their caregivers one week and three months post discharge from the Johnson and Johnson Paediatric Burns Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto.The improvement in the PedsQL scores suggests that the quality of life for children three months after discharge is good despite being burnt. The severity of the burn was found to be a significant predictor of quality of life (p = 0.00). Poor socio-economic status was clearly evident in demographic data of the subjects.The findings from this study are particularly important in identifying areas for further research that would be beneficial to developing countries. Furthermore, the results are important in the move towards more holistic care for paediatric burn survivors.     

宁夏地区不同人群腹膜透析患者生活质量及其影响因素

目的探讨宁夏地区不同人群腹膜透析患者生活质量及其影响因素，旨在为临床工作中如何提高透析患者的生存质量提供依据。方法①选择行规律持续非卧床腹膜透析（continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis，CAPD）治疗6个月以上的109例慢性肾衰竭患者。收集患者的民族、年龄、性别、原发病因、受教育程度、年均收入、透析时间、透析方案及体质量指数（body mass index，BMI）等资料。按民族分为回族组和汉族组。②采用肾脏疾病生活质量简表（Medical Outcomes Study Health Status ShortForm，SF-36）评估患者的生活质量。③采用肾脏病膳食改良实验（Modifi—cationofDietinRenalDisease，MDI①）方程估计算患者的肾小球滤过率，以评估患者的残余肾功能。④采用主观综合性营养评估（subjective global assessment，SGA）及白蛋白等指标评估患者营养状况。⑤采用Charlson合并症指数评估患者合并症情况。⑥检测患者血浆全段甲状旁腺素（intactparathy—roidhormone，iPTH）及血钙、血磷水平以评估患者的钙磷代谢状况。结果①回族组、汉族组患者在年龄、性别、原发病因、受教育程度、年均收入、透析时间、透析方案及Charlson合并症指数等均无统计学差异（P〉0．05）。②与汉族组比较，回族组患者血钙、白蛋白、三酰甘油、总胆固醇及肾小球滤过率明显降低，iPTH水平明显升高，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。③与汉族组比较，回族组的SGA评估的营养不良的发生率亦明显升高（47．5Z比24．6％），有统计学差异（P〈O．05）。④与汉族组比较，回族组在SF-36评分[（52．90±20．68）比（42．78±19．46）]、生理健康评分[（53．27±22．91）比（39．47±20．22）]、精神健康评分E（58．30±22．68）比（46．10±22．76）]均明显下降，有统计学差异（P〈0．05）。⑤与汉族组比较，回族组在情感与精神状况[-（65．29±19．85）比（54．65±21．60）]和疼痛[（72．54±27．88）比（47．19±30．85）]两个维度评分也明显下降，均有统计学差异（P〈0．05）。⑥将2组存在差异的指标进行单因素相关分析及多元线性回归发现，不同人群和白蛋白水平与SF-36相关。结论回族、汉族腹膜透析患者生活质量SF-36、生理健康及精神健康存在一定的差异，回族患者明显低于汉族；白蛋白水平是影响患者生活质量的因素。     

老年腹膜透析患者生存质量的影响因素

目的 探讨持续不卧床腹膜透析(CAPD)老年患者的生存质量状况,并初步探讨影响老年CAPD患者生存质量的各种因素.方法 选取我院2011年至2014年4月期间收治的年龄大于60岁的行持续不卧床腹膜透析治疗的63例老年患者,按年龄分为＜70岁和≥70岁两组,使用SF-36量表调查患者的生存质量.结果 两组患者年龄[(63.93±2.97)vs(73.57±3.22)岁]、Charlson合并症指数(3.4+±2.3 vs 5.0± 3.1)、Karnofsky活动指数(82±9 vs72± 16)、合并心血管并发症(x2=9.921,P=0.002)差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).两组患者SF-36量表中8个维度比较差异无统计学意义(均P＞ 0.05);在躯体健康相关生存质量方面差异有统计学意义(P=0.031).相关性分析显示,SF-36总分与Kamofsky活动指数(r=0.046,P=0.000)、残肾功能(r=0.314,P=0.012)呈正相关;与焦虑指数(r=-0.318,P=0.014)、抑郁指数(r=-0.341,P=0.006)呈负相关.躯体健康相关生存质量与年龄(r=-0.337,P=0.007)、是否合并心血管并发症(r=-0.333,P=0.008)、抑郁指数(r=-0.369,P=0.003)呈负相关;与Karnofsky活动指数(r=0.507,P=0.000)、残余肾功能(r=0.268,P=0.034)呈正相关性.精神健康相关生存质量与焦虑指数(r=-0.327,P=0.009)、抑郁指数(r=-0.267,P=0.034)呈负相关;与Karnofsky活动指数(r =0.321,P=0.01)、残余肾功能(r=0.283,P=0.025)呈正相关.结论 对于老年腹膜透析患者而言,年龄、焦虑指数、抑郁指数、Karnofsky活动指数、残肾功能、心血管并发症的发生都可能会影响其生存质量.     

Health-related quality of life after hip replacement

Abstract Total hip replacement is widely known to be effective in the management of pain and functional status. Instead, less is known regarding patients perspective through the measurement of health-related quality of life. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patient-relevant outcomes in a homogeneous sample of patients who underwent total hip replacement. Long-term results were evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire and clinical examination. We were able to re-contact 84.8% of patients at the follow-up, at an average of 7.35 years. The results confirm the value of the treatment of hip arthritis, demonstrating the impact of hip replacement on physical function and pain and consequently on the improvement of quality of life.     

Predictors of health status and health-related quality of life 12 months after severe burn

Introduction

Sustaining a moderate to severe burn injury is associated with the potential for substantial impairments to long-term physical and psychosocial health, including health related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to identify clinical and patient characteristics which predict HRQoL 12-months after injury.

Methods

A total of 125 patients were recruited over the study period, although only 99 were included in the final analysis representing all those who completed both the pre-burn and 12-months after burn injury Short Form 36 Medical Outcomes Survey (SF-36v2). These patients also completed the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B). Patient demographics and burn injury characteristics and treatment factors were collected to identify which factors predict 12-month health status outcomes. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify important predictors of outcomes. The SF36v2 models were adjusted for pre-injury measurements.

Results

Older age (regression coefficient −0.26, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) −0.38, −0.13), female gender (−8.08, 95% CI −12.8, −3.34) and increased percentage of full-thickness burns per body surface area (−0.51; 95% CI −0.88, −0.13) were important predictors of poorer physical health status at 12 months. Older age (−0.15, 95% CI −0.26, −0.04) and increased percentage of full-thickness burns per body surface area (−0.36, 95% CI −0.69, −0.03) were important predictors of poorer mental health status at 12 months. Older age (−0.38; 95%CI −0.66, −0.11) and female gender (−12.17; 95% CI −22.76, −1.57) were important predictors of poorer BSHS-B total score at 12 months after injury.

Conclusions

Given the complexity of burn care rehabilitation, physical and psychosocial screening and assessment within the first weeks after a burn injury along with adequate monitoring after discharge should be undertaken in burn injured patients. In this context, patients of specific demographics, such as female patients and older patients, and patients with a higher percentage of full thickness surface area burns are of greater risk for poorer physical and psychological outcomes and may benefit from additional monitoring and rehabilitation.     

Measurement properties of the short form 36 and health-related quality of life after intensive care in Morocco

BACKGROUND: Intensive care patients have a health-related quality of life (HRQL) that differs from the normal population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Arabic version of the short form (SF)-36 and study the HRQL determinants in adult patients 3 months after discharge from an intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective cohort study after ICU discharge. At 3-month follow up, the SF-36 was administered in consultation or by telephone. Multitrait scaling analysis was used to confirm the hypothesized scale structure of the SF-36. Reliability was tested using (i) measuring internal consistency; and (ii) the test-retest reliability assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient. Construct validity was tested by known-groups comparison using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: A total of 145 survivors answered the SF-36. Item internal convergency was higher than 0.40 (0.77-0.99; 100% scaling success) and item discriminant validity was perfect (100% scaling success) except for physical functioning (81% scaling success). Cronbach's alpha exceeded 0.70 in all eight scales (0.84-0.99). Test-retest reliability conducted in 73 patients was above 0.80. Acceptability to patients appeared reasonable although considerable interview time was required to administer the SF-36. Construct validity was confirmed by lower scores being reported by women, older age and a high level of comorbidities groups. When adjusted for background data, ICU variables were not associated with the SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of the SF-36 appears to be a robust tool in ICU. Background variables are the only significant determinants of HRQL 3 months after medical ICU discharge.     

Health-related quality of life in patients with anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency undergoing arthroscopic reconstruction: a practice-based Italian normative group in comorbid-free patients

Background  Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency has not been assessed in comorbid-free patients to date. An observational study was therefore conducted on a practice-based sample to test the hypothesis that SF-36 scoring in patients with chronic ACL insufficiency differs from the age- and gender-matched Italian norm. Materials and methods  Chronically ACL-insufficient patients with or without meniscal and/or focal chondral lesions were enrolled in the study. Exclusion criteria were acute ACL tear, severe and diffuse chondral lesions, concomitant knee major ligamentous injuries and/or fractures requiring surgery, previous ACL surgery and infectious, neoplastic and inflammatory disease. Knee function was evaluated by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, HRQoL with the SF-36 questionnaire, and associated medical comorbidities by a Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire (SCQ). Results  A total of 316 consecutive patients, 265 males and 51 females (median age 25 years, range 15–52 years) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. SF-36 norm-based scoring showed that the Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, and Social Functioning domains were significantly lower than the Italian norm; the Role Emotional domain was also lower than the norm, but the difference was not significant. Conversely, the General Health and Mental Health domains scored significantly higher than the norm; the Vitality domain also exceeded, albeit not significantly, the norm. Conclusions  The decision-making process leading to ACL reconstruction currently emphasises the evaluation of knee function and patients’ level of activity. The findings in our study, by showing that chronic ACL insufficiency significantly affects HRQoL in otherwise healthy patients, suggest that a multidimensional evaluation including HRQoL in addition to knee function might be integrated into outcome assessment.     

Comparison between a general and a disease-specific health-related quality-of-life questionnaire in patients after pancreatic surgery

Background/Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the short-form (SF-) 36 as a general instrument and the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) as a disease-specific instrument in patients after pancreatic surgery.Methods The questionnaires were sent to patients receiving pancreatic surgery over a time period of three years. Patients were compared with a normal population completing the SF-36 or reported normal-population values for the GIQLI. Agreement between the instruments was analyzed using Bland Altman plots.Results A total of 98 patients were included, most of them undergoing a Whipple procedure (86%). The most frequent complaints were meteorism, obstipation, stool urgency, and stress incontinence in 9% of the patients. Whereas in almost every domain of the SF-36 the HRQL was impaired in comparison to the normal population, the GIQLI showed differences in only the domain emotions. Neither the SF-36 nor the GIQLI was different between patients with early and advanced cancer stages. The SF-36 had no agreement with the GIQLI.Conclusions The results of HRQL studies depend on the instruments which were used. Whereas a general instrument may detect factors such as comorbidity more accurately, disease-specific instruments have the advantage of better clinical interpretability.Presented at the 120th Congress of the German Society for Surgery, Munich, May 2003     

Risk factors and prognosis of lower digestive tract haemorrhage in severe burns: a 12-year retrospective analysis

Objective

To explore the risk factors relating to lower digestive tract haemorrhage in severe burns and summarise the experience in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Method

General data of 103 patients with severe extensive burns (EBs) admitted to our burn centre in Shanghai between 1997 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. The risk factors relating to EB-complicated lower digestive tract haemorrhage were analysed systematically with respect to the clinical features and experiences in treatment, and prognosis.

Results

Of the 103 severe EBs, five developed lower digestive tract haemorrhage with an occurrence of 4.9%. Four of them were proved to have multiple mucosal erosions in caecum, colon and rectum, and the remaining one was proved rectal ulcerative haemorrhage. In comparison with upper digestive tract haemorrhage, lower digestive tract haemorrhage in the present group was characterised by a longer duration (median 4.0 days, interquartile range (IQR) 1.5-14.5 days vs. median 2.0 days (IQR 1.0-3.0 days), P < 0.05). Deep burns, especially fourth-degree burns, with complications of severe systemic infection, formed the main risk factors relating to lower digestive tract haemorrhage in severe EB patients.

Conclusion

Severe EB-complicated lower digestive tract haemorrhage is a critical condition in burns, which usually have deep wounds with severe infection surfaces that are difficult to deal with. Enteroscopic haemostasis in controlling lower digestive tract haemorrhage is usually ineffective. Clinical experiences indicate that early management of the wound with effective preventive and therapeutive measures for infection control may be a good choice in the prevention and treatment of lower digestive tract haemorrhage leading to improvement in its prognosis.     

Chronic non-malignant pain patients report as poor health-related quality of life as palliative cancer patients

Background: Patients with chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) conditions are known to report reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this exploratory study was to compare HRQoL between patients admitted to a multidisciplinary pain centre, palliative cancer (PC) patients and national norms.
Methods: HRQoL data from 288 patients with CNMP admitted to the multidisciplinary pain centre at Trondheim University Hospital were compared with 434 patients with advanced cancer included in a trial of comprehensive palliative care in the hospital palliative medicine unit and national norms. HRQoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Age- and gender-adjusted norm data were calculated and compared between the two groups.
Results: Scores from both groups deviated from adjusted norm data on all scales, with poorer functioning and more symptoms. Compared with PC patients, CNMP patients reported a larger deviation (worse scores) on global quality of life, cognitive functioning, pain, sleep disturbances and financial difficulties. Deviations from norm data were similar for physical, social and emotional functioning, diarrhoea, dyspnoea and fatigue. PC patients reported worse scores on role functioning, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite and constipation.
Conclusion: CNMP patients admitted to multidisciplinary pain centres report significantly reduced HRQoL, in addition to severe pain. They consider their HRQoL to be as poor as HRQoL reported from dying cancer patients and substantially poorer than national norms. Factors other than the biological severity of the disease seem to be of major importance for self-reported HRQoL.