Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional concept that refers to the situation of patients as assessed by themselves. Although there is no universal definition to date, the concept of QoL has been introduced into medicine. The assessment of IOP is a valuable complement to objective information obtained through history taking, physical examination and ancillary tests. The assessment of HIE in oncology patients and those receiving palliative care is of particular importance. The World Health Organisation (WHO) definition of palliative care refers to the improvement of quality of life as a goal of comprehensive support for patients and their families. It appears that a similar aim also applies to oncological treatment, at least in the advanced stage of cancer, when a complete cure is usually not possible. This article reviews the literature on HF in oncology and palliative care, including definitions and psychometric criteria for HF assessment tools. The most commonly used questionnaires for assessing HF in oncology and palliative care are reviewed, taking into account the modular approach to assessing HF in cancer patients used by the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). A practical approach for the proper assessment of HF in cancer patients on inpatient, home and outpatient wards is proposed.
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