The ‘PRESTON Profile’ — the first disease-specific tool for assessing quality of life in patients with malignant glioma

Abstract

This study seeks to assess the quality of life in patients with malignant glioma, using as its measuring tool the disease-specific ‘PRESTON Profile’ designed by the author. Twenty patients took part in the project. Following completion of the questionnaire, semi-structured interviews were conducted with each subject to further explore issues raised by their responses to the ‘PRESTON Profile’. Results showed that the ‘PRESTON Profile’ was perceived as a most pertinent tool for ascertaining quality of life in patients with malignant glioma. However, it was apparent that a questionnaire alone is not the ideal way of assessing quality of life in these patients, as the concentration required to reach each statement, and then to make a considered decision, sometimes proved too demanding. Interviewing patients (alone or with their spouse/carer) -utilizing information gained from their responses to the ‘PRESTON Profile’ elicited considerably more information. Thus the ‘PRESTON Profile’ can be used successfully as both an assessment of quality of life, and as a ‘launching pad’ for more in-depth counselling, for patients with malignant glioma.

Key Words:

• malignant glioma
• quality of life