Health-related quality of life is a term frequently used in health services and nursing research. However, when using this term, researchers often refer to the self-perceived health status or the functional abilities of the patients. Since there is increasing evidence that quality of life and health status are distinct concepts, the appropriateness of the term ‘health-related quality of life’ is questionable. Therefore, researchers should consider whether health-related quality of life is actually measured if a health-status instrument is used. The scientific community should take up this conceptual discussion in order to make the concept of quality of life less ambiguous.
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