The problems thrown up by this conundrum are addressed in this book. Leading researchers examine the ways that meaningful measurement may be achieved. The topics they cover include:

• Current state of the art in quality of life measurement
  
• Is quality of life determined by expectations or experience?
  
• Are quality of life measures patient-centred?
  
• Quality of life in care givers
  
• Assessing quality if life in children
  
• Who should measure quality of life?
  
• The clinical utility of quality of life measures
  
• Measuring the impact of assistive technologies on quality of life
  
• How to choose a quality of life measure
  
• Longitudinal analysis of quality of life data
  
• Is there such a thing as a life not worth living?

This is an invaluable book for all researchers and clinicians wanting to improve delivery of care to patients with chronic disease. It provides sound research evidence in a concise and easily digested form. It should both prove and important contribution to the quality in health care movement and a basis for further study.