Basic instruments for measuring the quality of life in patients after stroke (literature review)

Improvements in drug therapy have led to an increase in the number of patients surviving after the acute period of the stroke. A significant proportion of stroke patients experience consequences such as impaired motor function, psychological and social disorders. This affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients. General and specialized tests are used to assess the QoL in patients after a stroke.

The purpose of the study. Systematization of information about the main questionnaires used in assessing QoL in patients after the acute period of stroke.

The search for relevant sources devoted to the topic of work was carried out in the bibliographic database Pubmed / Medline and the Google information system. The following keywords were used in the search queries: “quality of life”, “stroke”, “indicators” etc. Test names were also used as keywords.

The characteristics of a number of general and specialized questionnaires that allow analyzing QoL in patients after a stroke are considered. Key practical information about the main questionnaires used abroad is summarized. Information on their applicability in domestic studies of QoL in patients who have suffered from a stroke is presented. The instruments that are most widely used in foreign practice are noted.

The tests reviewed (general and specific) have usually acceptable psychometric properties (validity and reliability), although none are ideal or suitable for all situations. Continuing the development of comprehensive methods for assessing QoL in patients with stroke consequences at are best suited for everyday clinical practice remains one of the important tasks of medicine.

Further development and widespread introduction of promising methods of QOL analysis into regular medical practice will increase the information content of assessments of the outcomes of therapy and rehabilitation.

Acknowledgment. The study had no sponsorship.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare the absence of obvious and potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Received: May 31, 2024 / Accepted: October 3, 2024 / Published: November 6, 2024

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