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How is healthcare quality of life measured?

In summary, quality of life (QOL) in healthcare is weighed heavily by patient perception of both their objective and subjective well-being.

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How is quality of life (QOL) defined and influenced?

In 1948, the Constitution of the World Health Organization defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” This was a departure from the tendency to see health only in terms of the presence or absence of disease.1 Today, QOL in healthcare is still defined and broken down by three domains, or ‘perceptions of health’.2 Physical functioning: symptoms resulting either from the disease itself or from treatment and the ability to perform a range of daily activities Psychological functioning: ranges from severe psychological distress to a positive sense of well-being and may also encompass cognitive functioning Social functioning: quantitative and qualitative aspects of social relationships and interactions and societal integration Within these three domains/perceptions of health, QOL is influenced and determined by many factors. Over the past few decades, medical outcomes researchers and medical sociologists have categorized QOL determinants as:3

1. Health-related

2. Sociological and economical

Each of these domains can be measured both objectively and subjectively.

When defining and measuring QOL, health-related parameters need to be both provider and patient reported. While the objective health status of symptoms is recorded by a physician, this fails to describe the patient’s tolerance and discomfort for these symptoms. Two people with the same health status may have very different expectations regarding health and the ability to cope. These differing expectations can greatly affect a person's perception of health and satisfaction with life.2 Patient reported parameters are important because patients have the best perspective on the impact of their treatment. They experience first-hand the physical and financial burdens of treatment that may also affect their adherence to treatment and other provider recommendations.3 Overall QOL may be strongly influenced by factors that are unseemingly related to health, such as economic status, employment status, and family situation.3 Again, there is both an objective and subjective component. For example, financial burden may decrease a patient’s adherence rate, objectively making treatment less successful while a stressful family situation may subjectively and negatively alter a patient’s perception of their treatment outcome.

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Can I skip a day of tamsulosin?

️ Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose of Tamsulosin at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember that day. If you forget to take a dose for the whole day don't worry, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as usual when it is due. Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

▪️ The usual dose of tamsulosin is 400 micrograms once a day.

▪️ Tamsulosin comes as modified-release tablets or modified-release capsules. These dose forms are designed to release the tamsulosin gradually as they pass through the stomach and intestine, so that a steady amount of medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream throughout the day. ▪️ Try to take your tablet or capsule at the same time each day, either with or without food. ▪️ Tamsulosin tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole and not be broken, crushed, chewed or sucked, as this would stop their modified-release action from working. ▪️ Sometimes the shell or a remnant of your tamsulosin capsule or tablet may pass through your gut undigested and be visible in your poo. This is normal; it doesn't mean the medicine isn't working. ▪️ Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose of Tamsulosin at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember that day. If you forget to take a dose for the whole day don’t worry, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as usual when it is due. Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

How long do I need to take tamsulosin for?

Tamsulosin is not a cure for an enlarged prostate, so you'll need to keep taking it every day on a long-term basis to help keep your symptoms under control. Don't stop taking tamsulosin unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping treatment is likely to make your urinary symptoms come back.

Last updated: 29.08.2019

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