A person choosing quality of life over longevity of life (or vice versa) is a multifactorial and dynamic process. The person’s baseline QoL, age, familial status, and socio-cultural relationship to death/suffering all play an important role. The patient’s understanding of their disease, its progression, and prescribed medical interventions are also pivotal. Therefore, the clinician’s information dissemination and willingness to engage in a deeper dialogue can be pivotal in helping the patient make an informed decision on the course of their future. Addressing the QoL needs of a patient should come at various points and within a multidisciplinary team fashion, with the patient’s personal journey at the heart of the dialogue.
Keywords
- Quality of life
- Longevity of life
- Palliative
- Cancer
- Assessment