Quality of Life in Children and Adults with Cerebral Palsy
摘要
The concept of quality of life (QoL) is very personal for each individual and requires careful consideration when providing care. It may, in fact, be the most important consideration when providing care for individuals with childhood-acquired disabilities. These conditions quite often have long-term impacts on physical health, cognition, and/or behavior with resultant alterations in function and participation. It is therefore critical that care providers understand the definition of QoL, know the options for measuring this concept, and be aware of the goal-focused tools that may be used to incorporate each person’s wants and needs into care plans. This knowledge allows care providers to facilitate care that keeps QoL as a priority. Although indicators of QoL have been deemed variable and individual, pain is the single most common element throughout all domains to negatively impact QoL. Investigation and treatment of pain appear essential for improvement in life quality. Many studies also highlight the need for societal change to maximize inclusion and limit social isolation. It is also of note that with aging, there is an increased link between independence and QoL. For the fourth edition, this chapter has been reviewed/revised by the book editor.