Conceptual Model of Health‐Related Quality of Life

TLDR

HRQoL has been studied for two decades, yet researchers still need models that clarify its components and causal links. The authors aim to revise Wilson and Cleary’s HRQoL model, offering component‑level guidance to enhance its application in nursing and health care. The model was revised by indicating that biological function depends on individual and environmental characteristics, removing non‑medical factors, and eliminating restrictive arrow labels. The updated model supplies theoretical background and instrument examples for each component, presents a taxonomy of commonly used HRQoL variables, and is intended to aid research and clinical practice.

Abstract

Purpose : To revise the Wilson and Cleary model of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), with suggestions for applying each of the components, and to facilitate the use of HRQoL in nursing and health care. Organizing Construct : HRQoL, based on relevant literature over the past 20 years. Methods : The original model was revised in three substantive ways: (a) indicating that biological function is influenced by characteristics of both individuals and environments; (b) deleting nonmedical factors; and (c) deleting the labels on the arrows that tend to restrict characterization of the relationships. Findings : Theoretical background is provided for each of the major components of the model, and examples of instruments to measure them, were added. Conclusions : In quality‐of‐life research, the current challenge is to devise models to clarify the elements of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and the causal relationships among them. This revision of Wilson and Cleary's model includes a taxonomy of the variables that often have been used to measure HRQoL. This revision should be useful in research and clinical practice.