Vaclav Smil
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195168754
- eISBN:
- 9780199783601
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195168755.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
Technical advances based on unprecedented levels of energy use brought a new phenomenon of mass consumption as well as many obvious gains in the typical quality of life. However, they have not ...
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Technical advances based on unprecedented levels of energy use brought a new phenomenon of mass consumption as well as many obvious gains in the typical quality of life. However, they have not substantially reduced economic inequality. They also introduced new risks (ranging from car accidents to nuclear weapons) and some worrisome environmental changes, especially the possibility of relatively rapid global warming.Less
Technical advances based on unprecedented levels of energy use brought a new phenomenon of mass consumption as well as many obvious gains in the typical quality of life. However, they have not substantially reduced economic inequality. They also introduced new risks (ranging from car accidents to nuclear weapons) and some worrisome environmental changes, especially the possibility of relatively rapid global warming.
Elizabeth Wicks
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199547395
- eISBN:
- 9780191594373
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199547395.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, Medical Law
The right to life is a core human right which has not yet received the detailed legal analysis that it requires. This book provides detailed, critical analysis of the controversial human right to ...
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The right to life is a core human right which has not yet received the detailed legal analysis that it requires. This book provides detailed, critical analysis of the controversial human right to life and, in particular, assesses the weight of conflicting interests which could and/or should serve to override the right. This contemporary study of the right to life focuses on the legal, as well as ethical, issues raised by the value of life in modern day society. It seeks to analyse the development, meaning and value of the fundamental human right to life in the context of its conflicts with other competing interests. The book begins with an overview of the right to life in which the concept of life itself is first analysed, before both the right and its legal protection and enforcement are subjected to historical, philosophical and comparative analysis. The remainder of the book identifies, and assesses the merits of, various competing interests. These comprise armed conflict; prevention of crime; rights of others; autonomy; quality of life; and finite resources. The right to life is unusual in having potential application to so many of today’s ethically controversial questions. This new work investigates specific topics of current political, legal and ethical concern such as the right to life during international conflicts, the role of lethal force in law enforcement, the death penalty, the right to life of a foetus in the context of legalized abortion, and the significance of quality of life and autonomy issues in respect of euthanasia and assisted suicide.Less
The right to life is a core human right which has not yet received the detailed legal analysis that it requires. This book provides detailed, critical analysis of the controversial human right to life and, in particular, assesses the weight of conflicting interests which could and/or should serve to override the right. This contemporary study of the right to life focuses on the legal, as well as ethical, issues raised by the value of life in modern day society. It seeks to analyse the development, meaning and value of the fundamental human right to life in the context of its conflicts with other competing interests. The book begins with an overview of the right to life in which the concept of life itself is first analysed, before both the right and its legal protection and enforcement are subjected to historical, philosophical and comparative analysis. The remainder of the book identifies, and assesses the merits of, various competing interests. These comprise armed conflict; prevention of crime; rights of others; autonomy; quality of life; and finite resources. The right to life is unusual in having potential application to so many of today’s ethically controversial questions. This new work investigates specific topics of current political, legal and ethical concern such as the right to life during international conflicts, the role of lethal force in law enforcement, the death penalty, the right to life of a foetus in the context of legalized abortion, and the significance of quality of life and autonomy issues in respect of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Ian McDowell
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195165678
- eISBN:
- 9780199864034
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195165678.003.0010
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Previous chapters have reviewed measurements that focus on specific aspects of health. This chapter reviews broad-ranging measures of general health and health-related quality of life. It opens with ...
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Previous chapters have reviewed measurements that focus on specific aspects of health. This chapter reviews broad-ranging measures of general health and health-related quality of life. It opens with a discussion of the evolution of the quality of life concept and of its different definitions. It then reviews twenty-six measurement scales that are designed for clinical use, for use in social surveys or in epidemiological studies.Less
Previous chapters have reviewed measurements that focus on specific aspects of health. This chapter reviews broad-ranging measures of general health and health-related quality of life. It opens with a discussion of the evolution of the quality of life concept and of its different definitions. It then reviews twenty-six measurement scales that are designed for clinical use, for use in social surveys or in epidemiological studies.
Stephen Wilkinson
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199273966
- eISBN:
- 9780191706585
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199273966.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter addresses two questions. First, is there anything wrong with deliberately creating a child with a disability (such as deafness)? Second, what is the proper role of child welfare ...
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This chapter addresses two questions. First, is there anything wrong with deliberately creating a child with a disability (such as deafness)? Second, what is the proper role of child welfare considerations in reproductive decision-making? The chapter concludes that child welfare arguments do have a role, but one that is more limited and less decisive than is commonly assumed. One reason for this is that the idea of harm only applies in very extreme cases, cases where the person created has a life that is so awful that she would be ‘better off dead’. Another is that the relationship between disability and quality of life is more complicated and less direct than is sometimes thought. For these reasons (amongst others) the chapter concludes that a general legal prohibition on selecting for disability is unwarranted, or at least cannot be justified on child welfare grounds alone.Less
This chapter addresses two questions. First, is there anything wrong with deliberately creating a child with a disability (such as deafness)? Second, what is the proper role of child welfare considerations in reproductive decision-making? The chapter concludes that child welfare arguments do have a role, but one that is more limited and less decisive than is commonly assumed. One reason for this is that the idea of harm only applies in very extreme cases, cases where the person created has a life that is so awful that she would be ‘better off dead’. Another is that the relationship between disability and quality of life is more complicated and less direct than is sometimes thought. For these reasons (amongst others) the chapter concludes that a general legal prohibition on selecting for disability is unwarranted, or at least cannot be justified on child welfare grounds alone.
Neil Small, Katherine Froggatt, and Murna Downs
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- November 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198566878
- eISBN:
- 9780191730511
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198566878.003.0005
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making, Palliative Medicine Research
This chapter discusses how the way services are currently focused reflects the values associated with particular perceptions of quality. It offers an alternative way to understand quality of life and ...
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This chapter discusses how the way services are currently focused reflects the values associated with particular perceptions of quality. It offers an alternative way to understand quality of life and care from the person with dementia's perspective. The chapter builds on existing work and offers an approach that locates quality in the relationships people have with those around them, and in the society in which they live, as an alternative to an efficiency-based and individualistic way of assessing services.Less
This chapter discusses how the way services are currently focused reflects the values associated with particular perceptions of quality. It offers an alternative way to understand quality of life and care from the person with dementia's perspective. The chapter builds on existing work and offers an approach that locates quality in the relationships people have with those around them, and in the society in which they live, as an alternative to an efficiency-based and individualistic way of assessing services.
R. S. Downie and K. C. Calman
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780192624086
- eISBN:
- 9780191723728
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780192624086.003.0015
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter discusses the problems of defining and measuring quality of life. In particular, the distinction between quantity and quality of life is important. Three objectives are distinguished: ...
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This chapter discusses the problems of defining and measuring quality of life. In particular, the distinction between quantity and quality of life is important. Three objectives are distinguished: curing an illness, controlling an illness, and improving quality of life. To improve quality of lie on its own without affecting quantity is a legitimate objective. The quality of life of the staff must not be neglected.Less
This chapter discusses the problems of defining and measuring quality of life. In particular, the distinction between quantity and quality of life is important. Three objectives are distinguished: curing an illness, controlling an illness, and improving quality of life. To improve quality of lie on its own without affecting quantity is a legitimate objective. The quality of life of the staff must not be neglected.
Samuel Paul, Kala Seetharam Sridhar, A. Venugopala Reddy, and Pavan Srinath
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198080381
- eISBN:
- 9780199081622
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198080381.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
Cities in Karnataka, as in India, suffer from inadequate data and information, which has undermined their ability and that of analysts and policymakers to comprehend the complex forces shaping cities ...
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Cities in Karnataka, as in India, suffer from inadequate data and information, which has undermined their ability and that of analysts and policymakers to comprehend the complex forces shaping cities and to develop and implement effective urban policies. Given the importance of cities in Karnataka’s economic growth and development, the book undertakes a review of 15 major cities. While it is clear that no existing studies present the state of cities in India’s context, not collecting this information has disastrous consequences for cities, since they would not be in a position to understand their own growth nor predict their future planning for public services. This book attempts to fill in this vacuum. In this book, indicators and benchmarks are developed for six thematic areas that capture the dynamics and potential of urban areas: history and governance, demographics, economic dimensions, infrastructure and public services, resources, and quality of life. Policymakers, city officials, investors, real estate developers, infrastructure agencies, financiers, industry, credit rating agencies, the educated general public, and researchers would be interested in the book since it has implications for the business environment and quality of living in these cities. The book also provides a description of best practices in service delivery across the 15 cities, so that these can be shared across the cities, and competition encouraged among them for firms, investment, and better residents with promise of a better quality of living.Less
Cities in Karnataka, as in India, suffer from inadequate data and information, which has undermined their ability and that of analysts and policymakers to comprehend the complex forces shaping cities and to develop and implement effective urban policies. Given the importance of cities in Karnataka’s economic growth and development, the book undertakes a review of 15 major cities. While it is clear that no existing studies present the state of cities in India’s context, not collecting this information has disastrous consequences for cities, since they would not be in a position to understand their own growth nor predict their future planning for public services. This book attempts to fill in this vacuum. In this book, indicators and benchmarks are developed for six thematic areas that capture the dynamics and potential of urban areas: history and governance, demographics, economic dimensions, infrastructure and public services, resources, and quality of life. Policymakers, city officials, investors, real estate developers, infrastructure agencies, financiers, industry, credit rating agencies, the educated general public, and researchers would be interested in the book since it has implications for the business environment and quality of living in these cities. The book also provides a description of best practices in service delivery across the 15 cities, so that these can be shared across the cities, and competition encouraged among them for firms, investment, and better residents with promise of a better quality of living.
Alvin I. Goldman
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195138924
- eISBN:
- 9780199786480
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195138929.003.0011
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Many of our distinctively human social traits are interwoven with simulational propensities. A stroll through simulation-related topics includes the psychological underpinnings of social bonds, our ...
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Many of our distinctively human social traits are interwoven with simulational propensities. A stroll through simulation-related topics includes the psychological underpinnings of social bonds, our fascination with fiction, and the relevance of simulation and empathy to moral theory. The “chameleon effect”, which involves unconscious mimicry of facial expressions, postures, and mannerisms, promotes cohesion and liking within a group. Enactment imagination and empathy lie at the core of our experience of fiction. Emotional empathy, i.e., affective contagion, is a crucial determinant of the quality of life, and high-level empathy, or perspective taking, plays a critical role in moral motivation and moral principles, especially universalization principles like the golden rule.Less
Many of our distinctively human social traits are interwoven with simulational propensities. A stroll through simulation-related topics includes the psychological underpinnings of social bonds, our fascination with fiction, and the relevance of simulation and empathy to moral theory. The “chameleon effect”, which involves unconscious mimicry of facial expressions, postures, and mannerisms, promotes cohesion and liking within a group. Enactment imagination and empathy lie at the core of our experience of fiction. Emotional empathy, i.e., affective contagion, is a crucial determinant of the quality of life, and high-level empathy, or perspective taking, plays a critical role in moral motivation and moral principles, especially universalization principles like the golden rule.
Lisa L. Miller
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195331684
- eISBN:
- 9780199867967
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331684.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter begins with a discussion of the need to re-vision political mobilization and interest group activity through the lens provided by politicized urban neighborhoods. The scholarly emphasis ...
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This chapter begins with a discussion of the need to re-vision political mobilization and interest group activity through the lens provided by politicized urban neighborhoods. The scholarly emphasis on formal organization, resource mobilization, and policy strategies often obscures low-income residents' active political engagement with a full range of quality-of-life issues, from graffiti, vandalism, and illegal billboard advertisements to aggressive drug dealing, hate crimes, and gun violence. The chapter details the interest group environment on the crime issue in two large urban locales, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. At the urban level—unlike the state and national levels—this chapter reveals a stunning array of broadly focused citizen groups that are active and regular participants in crime control politics. These groups range from formal organizations, such as long-standing community councils, to informal and new organizations formed in the aftermath of tragic, violent crimes. They interact with lawmakers through legislative hearings but also through a wide range of informal contacts. In contrast, police and prosecutors are more limited in their interaction with legislators, which shifts problem definitions and policy frames away from punishing offenders and toward broader social problems facing high-crime communities.Less
This chapter begins with a discussion of the need to re-vision political mobilization and interest group activity through the lens provided by politicized urban neighborhoods. The scholarly emphasis on formal organization, resource mobilization, and policy strategies often obscures low-income residents' active political engagement with a full range of quality-of-life issues, from graffiti, vandalism, and illegal billboard advertisements to aggressive drug dealing, hate crimes, and gun violence. The chapter details the interest group environment on the crime issue in two large urban locales, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. At the urban level—unlike the state and national levels—this chapter reveals a stunning array of broadly focused citizen groups that are active and regular participants in crime control politics. These groups range from formal organizations, such as long-standing community councils, to informal and new organizations formed in the aftermath of tragic, violent crimes. They interact with lawmakers through legislative hearings but also through a wide range of informal contacts. In contrast, police and prosecutors are more limited in their interaction with legislators, which shifts problem definitions and policy frames away from punishing offenders and toward broader social problems facing high-crime communities.
Sabina Alkire
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199245796
- eISBN:
- 9780191600838
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199245797.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Each of the four chapters of Part I of the book synthesizes one aspect that must be specified in the operationalization of the capability approach, then proposes a framework for doing so. The issue ...
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Each of the four chapters of Part I of the book synthesizes one aspect that must be specified in the operationalization of the capability approach, then proposes a framework for doing so. The issue of this second chapter is how one ‘specifies’ the dimensions of valuable functioning or capability. Martha Nussbaum's work on central human capabilities and John Finnis's work on basic human reasons for action are both presented, and then alternative accounts of universal human needs and values are briefly considered. The theoretical conception of basic human values that has been developed by Finnis is proposed as being a conception that enables and requires participatory dialogue in application, has objective foundations, and can also coherently engage with and be refined by the large and growing empirical literatures on happiness, subjective well‐being, quality of life indicators, and views of the poor—which have not been well‐integrated with poverty reduction approaches. This conception can also mesh well with methodological literatures on participation, and be used by persons with diverse philosophical approaches and opinions. Ends with a table listing the dimensions of human development from 39 different disciplines.Less
Each of the four chapters of Part I of the book synthesizes one aspect that must be specified in the operationalization of the capability approach, then proposes a framework for doing so. The issue of this second chapter is how one ‘specifies’ the dimensions of valuable functioning or capability. Martha Nussbaum's work on central human capabilities and John Finnis's work on basic human reasons for action are both presented, and then alternative accounts of universal human needs and values are briefly considered. The theoretical conception of basic human values that has been developed by Finnis is proposed as being a conception that enables and requires participatory dialogue in application, has objective foundations, and can also coherently engage with and be refined by the large and growing empirical literatures on happiness, subjective well‐being, quality of life indicators, and views of the poor—which have not been well‐integrated with poverty reduction approaches. This conception can also mesh well with methodological literatures on participation, and be used by persons with diverse philosophical approaches and opinions. Ends with a table listing the dimensions of human development from 39 different disciplines.
Corrine Jurgens, Jom Suwanno, and Barbara Riegel
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- November 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198570288
- eISBN:
- 9780191730030
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570288.003.0008
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making, Pain Management and Palliative Pharmacology
This chapter lends some clarity to the discussion of quality of life in heart failure (HF). To do so, it explores definitions of quality of life, outlines the literature on the effect of HF on ...
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This chapter lends some clarity to the discussion of quality of life in heart failure (HF). To do so, it explores definitions of quality of life, outlines the literature on the effect of HF on quality of life, and ends by summarizing what is known about the effect of interventions on quality of life in persons with HF. The common dimensions of quality of life in all the models reviewed are physical, emotional, and social function. The chapter further discusses the impact of HF on each of these dimensions. The physical dimension includes biological issues or illness characteristics, symptoms, and functional status. The emotional dimension includes the psychological response to HF. Social functioning includes sociodemographic factors, including cultural and environmental aspects. Some evidence suggests that optimal medical therapy and perhaps disease management can improve quality of life, but many of the studies are limited by a failure to define the construct and measure it in its complexity.Less
This chapter lends some clarity to the discussion of quality of life in heart failure (HF). To do so, it explores definitions of quality of life, outlines the literature on the effect of HF on quality of life, and ends by summarizing what is known about the effect of interventions on quality of life in persons with HF. The common dimensions of quality of life in all the models reviewed are physical, emotional, and social function. The chapter further discusses the impact of HF on each of these dimensions. The physical dimension includes biological issues or illness characteristics, symptoms, and functional status. The emotional dimension includes the psychological response to HF. Social functioning includes sociodemographic factors, including cultural and environmental aspects. Some evidence suggests that optimal medical therapy and perhaps disease management can improve quality of life, but many of the studies are limited by a failure to define the construct and measure it in its complexity.
Elizabeth Wicks
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199547395
- eISBN:
- 9780191594373
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199547395.003.0008
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, Medical Law
This chapter investigates the potentially conflicting interest of quality of life. It considers whether the right to life continues to offer protection for incompetent patients with negligible ...
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This chapter investigates the potentially conflicting interest of quality of life. It considers whether the right to life continues to offer protection for incompetent patients with negligible quality of life and then proceeds to consider the requirements of the right if its protection is applicable. The person/human distinction is rejected in the context of human rights law. The key issue in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is not whether the right to life is applicable (for, in respect of a not yet brain dead human being, it will always be applicable) but rather what steps will be reasonable for the state to take in order to preserve the individual’s life. In determining this, the other rights of the patient must be taken into account, including of particular relevance the right to be free from degrading treatment and the right to privacy and autonomy.Less
This chapter investigates the potentially conflicting interest of quality of life. It considers whether the right to life continues to offer protection for incompetent patients with negligible quality of life and then proceeds to consider the requirements of the right if its protection is applicable. The person/human distinction is rejected in the context of human rights law. The key issue in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is not whether the right to life is applicable (for, in respect of a not yet brain dead human being, it will always be applicable) but rather what steps will be reasonable for the state to take in order to preserve the individual’s life. In determining this, the other rights of the patient must be taken into account, including of particular relevance the right to be free from degrading treatment and the right to privacy and autonomy.
Richard E. Ocejo
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691155166
- eISBN:
- 9781400852635
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691155166.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter examines the issues that arise for policing nightlife scenes. It begins with an episode from one of the special meetings that the police occasionally hold at the precinct for bar owners, ...
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This chapter examines the issues that arise for policing nightlife scenes. It begins with an episode from one of the special meetings that the police occasionally hold at the precinct for bar owners, at which owners receive tips from officers on how to reduce quality-of-life complaints from residents and prevent crime in their bars. To enhance the quality of life in downtown neighborhoods and provide a sense of safety on streets, leaders of postindustrial cities have enacted policing strategies that target “broken windows,” or signs of public disorder. This meeting and other initiatives signify the New York Police Department's effort to curb quality-of-life complaints (e.g., noise, litter, and damage from revelers) as well as crimes inside and outside bars by making specific owners responsible for the structural conditions of dense nightlife scenes and targeting those who are “bad” and irresponsible.Less
This chapter examines the issues that arise for policing nightlife scenes. It begins with an episode from one of the special meetings that the police occasionally hold at the precinct for bar owners, at which owners receive tips from officers on how to reduce quality-of-life complaints from residents and prevent crime in their bars. To enhance the quality of life in downtown neighborhoods and provide a sense of safety on streets, leaders of postindustrial cities have enacted policing strategies that target “broken windows,” or signs of public disorder. This meeting and other initiatives signify the New York Police Department's effort to curb quality-of-life complaints (e.g., noise, litter, and damage from revelers) as well as crimes inside and outside bars by making specific owners responsible for the structural conditions of dense nightlife scenes and targeting those who are “bad” and irresponsible.
Nick Bosanquet and Chris Salisbury
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780192629913
- eISBN:
- 9780191730153
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780192629913.003.0012
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making, Palliative Medicine Research
This chapter discusses the implications of the palliative care models on the quality of life and psychological well being of terminally ill patients. Experimental and descriptive studies that ...
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This chapter discusses the implications of the palliative care models on the quality of life and psychological well being of terminally ill patients. Experimental and descriptive studies that evaluated the model of palliative care and used quality of life as an outcome are considered. The term ‘quality of life’ includes the measures to assess the quality of life as well as the measures of pain control, symptom control, and general well being. The chapter does not include discussions on the development of research instruments geared to measure the quality of life, or the impact of palliative care on the quality of life and bereavement of relatives and families, or the implications of palliative care for non-terminally ill patients. However, it does include reviews of assessment tools, the concept of quality of life and its methods of assessment, and the role of care-givers in assessing the quality of life of the patients. Included as well are comparative studies of the palliative care practices and their impact on the quality of life of patients in the US and UK.Less
This chapter discusses the implications of the palliative care models on the quality of life and psychological well being of terminally ill patients. Experimental and descriptive studies that evaluated the model of palliative care and used quality of life as an outcome are considered. The term ‘quality of life’ includes the measures to assess the quality of life as well as the measures of pain control, symptom control, and general well being. The chapter does not include discussions on the development of research instruments geared to measure the quality of life, or the impact of palliative care on the quality of life and bereavement of relatives and families, or the implications of palliative care for non-terminally ill patients. However, it does include reviews of assessment tools, the concept of quality of life and its methods of assessment, and the role of care-givers in assessing the quality of life of the patients. Included as well are comparative studies of the palliative care practices and their impact on the quality of life of patients in the US and UK.
David Benatar
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199296422
- eISBN:
- 9780191712005
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199296422.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Engaging the non-identity problem, this chapter begins by showing that it is possible to be harmed by being brought into existence. In the process, a distinction is drawn between two quality of life ...
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Engaging the non-identity problem, this chapter begins by showing that it is possible to be harmed by being brought into existence. In the process, a distinction is drawn between two quality of life judgements — ‘a life worth starting’ and ‘a life worth continuing’. The chapter argues that coming into existence is always a harm. An asymmetry between pleasure and pain (and between benefit and harm more generally) is described and defended. Although the good things in one's life make one's life go better than it otherwise would have gone, one could not have been deprived by their absence if one had not existed. However, by coming into existence one does suffer harm.Less
Engaging the non-identity problem, this chapter begins by showing that it is possible to be harmed by being brought into existence. In the process, a distinction is drawn between two quality of life judgements — ‘a life worth starting’ and ‘a life worth continuing’. The chapter argues that coming into existence is always a harm. An asymmetry between pleasure and pain (and between benefit and harm more generally) is described and defended. Although the good things in one's life make one's life go better than it otherwise would have gone, one could not have been deprived by their absence if one had not existed. However, by coming into existence one does suffer harm.
Sam H. Ahmedzai and John Hunt
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198515814
- eISBN:
- 9780191730498
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198515814.003.0004
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making, Palliative Medicine Research
This chapter discusses the quality issues found in palliative and supportive care. It distinguishes the two main areas that are important for palliative care: ‘quality of life’ of patients and their ...
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This chapter discusses the quality issues found in palliative and supportive care. It distinguishes the two main areas that are important for palliative care: ‘quality of life’ of patients and their carers and ‘quality of care’ delivered by services. Some of the issues of quality discussed in this chapter include the theoretical considerations on measuring quality and the aspects of quality that are considered ‘right’.Less
This chapter discusses the quality issues found in palliative and supportive care. It distinguishes the two main areas that are important for palliative care: ‘quality of life’ of patients and their carers and ‘quality of care’ delivered by services. Some of the issues of quality discussed in this chapter include the theoretical considerations on measuring quality and the aspects of quality that are considered ‘right’.
Fiona Randall
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- November 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198567363
- eISBN:
- 9780191730535
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567363.003.0002
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Palliative Medicine Research
This chapter examines whether the concept of quality of life has been helpful in the field of palliative care, evaluating whether there exists a shared and common concept of quality of life between ...
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This chapter examines whether the concept of quality of life has been helpful in the field of palliative care, evaluating whether there exists a shared and common concept of quality of life between physicians, patients, and their families. It discusses the possible means of assessing the quality of life through measurement or through the provisions of qualitative information on specific treatments, and also discusses whether the improvement of life in the palliative setting affects the manner of decision making of the individuals and patients involved. The chapter also considers the capacity of palliative care to improve the quality of life more than the conventional services and alternative models of treatment it offers. It also evaluates the alternative aim of palliative care if quality of life is rejected as the main objective of palliation.Less
This chapter examines whether the concept of quality of life has been helpful in the field of palliative care, evaluating whether there exists a shared and common concept of quality of life between physicians, patients, and their families. It discusses the possible means of assessing the quality of life through measurement or through the provisions of qualitative information on specific treatments, and also discusses whether the improvement of life in the palliative setting affects the manner of decision making of the individuals and patients involved. The chapter also considers the capacity of palliative care to improve the quality of life more than the conventional services and alternative models of treatment it offers. It also evaluates the alternative aim of palliative care if quality of life is rejected as the main objective of palliation.
Russell K. Portenoy and Eduardo Bruera
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195130652
- eISBN:
- 9780199999842
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195130652.003.0015
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Palliative Medicine Research, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making
Palliative care providers who wish to evaluate the full impact of their care must measure changes in quality of life (QOL) as well as improvements in areas specifically targeted by particular ...
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Palliative care providers who wish to evaluate the full impact of their care must measure changes in quality of life (QOL) as well as improvements in areas specifically targeted by particular interventions such as pain and depression. Since palliative care considers the family as the unit of care, patient QOL, family member QOL, and the QOL of the family unit are all primary outcomes of palliative care. This chapter suggests that the best indicator of the quality of whole-person care is the QOL of the care recipient. The importance of measuring QOL has been widely recognized in the health care literature in the last two decades. Unfortunately, this has led to a great pressure to measure QOL at all phases of cancer and HIV disease, even though the measures are not adequately developed to show primary outcomes.Less
Palliative care providers who wish to evaluate the full impact of their care must measure changes in quality of life (QOL) as well as improvements in areas specifically targeted by particular interventions such as pain and depression. Since palliative care considers the family as the unit of care, patient QOL, family member QOL, and the QOL of the family unit are all primary outcomes of palliative care. This chapter suggests that the best indicator of the quality of whole-person care is the QOL of the care recipient. The importance of measuring QOL has been widely recognized in the health care literature in the last two decades. Unfortunately, this has led to a great pressure to measure QOL at all phases of cancer and HIV disease, even though the measures are not adequately developed to show primary outcomes.
Robert A. Cummins and Anna L.D. Lau
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- November 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198529415
- eISBN:
- 9780191730344
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198529415.003.0002
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making, Pain Management and Palliative Pharmacology
Quality of life measurement within the medical context takes a very different approach from that adopted by the social sciences. Within medicine, the construct is referred to as health-related ...
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Quality of life measurement within the medical context takes a very different approach from that adopted by the social sciences. Within medicine, the construct is referred to as health-related quality of life (HRQOL) which relies heavily on measuring symptoms of ill-health. Within the social sciences, quality of life is conceptualized as a global construct, positive in nature, encompassing, but not limited by health. This chapter contrasts these two views. It is evident that these are serious issues concerning measurement of HRQOL, to the extent that the instruments may not be regarded as valid measures of quality of life as the term is generally understood. The global measures of subjective well-being, while valid and theoretically embedded, are also limited by their relative insensitivity to medical health. The reason for this insensitivity is proposed to be a homeostatic system that normally maintains subjective quality of life within a narrow positive range.Less
Quality of life measurement within the medical context takes a very different approach from that adopted by the social sciences. Within medicine, the construct is referred to as health-related quality of life (HRQOL) which relies heavily on measuring symptoms of ill-health. Within the social sciences, quality of life is conceptualized as a global construct, positive in nature, encompassing, but not limited by health. This chapter contrasts these two views. It is evident that these are serious issues concerning measurement of HRQOL, to the extent that the instruments may not be regarded as valid measures of quality of life as the term is generally understood. The global measures of subjective well-being, while valid and theoretically embedded, are also limited by their relative insensitivity to medical health. The reason for this insensitivity is proposed to be a homeostatic system that normally maintains subjective quality of life within a narrow positive range.
Ed Diener, Richard E. Lucas, Ulrich Schimmack, and John F. Helliwell
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195334074
- eISBN:
- 9780199893928
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195334074.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter introduces the idea that measures of well-being provide information that can be useful to policy makers in enhancing quality of life by creating more astute policies and regulations. The ...
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This chapter introduces the idea that measures of well-being provide information that can be useful to policy makers in enhancing quality of life by creating more astute policies and regulations. The themes of the chapters in the book, including the shortcomings of existing measures and how surveys of well-being can complement these limitations, are introduced. The chapters provide insights into why well-being measures are needed, and answer common objections to the measures. Policy issue examples are described, and the nature of the surveys that are needed is outlined.Less
This chapter introduces the idea that measures of well-being provide information that can be useful to policy makers in enhancing quality of life by creating more astute policies and regulations. The themes of the chapters in the book, including the shortcomings of existing measures and how surveys of well-being can complement these limitations, are introduced. The chapters provide insights into why well-being measures are needed, and answer common objections to the measures. Policy issue examples are described, and the nature of the surveys that are needed is outlined.
