Search

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the quality of management practices of public hospitals in the Australian healthcare system, specifically those in the state-managed health systems of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW). Further, the authors assess the management practices of Queensland and NSW public hospitals jointly and globally benchmark against those in the health systems of seven other countries, namely, USA, UK, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy and Canada.Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the authors adapt the unique and globally deployed Bloom et al. (2009) survey instrument that uses a "double blind, double scored" methodology and an interview-based scoring grid to measure and internationally benchmark the management practices in Queensland and NSW public hospitals based on 21 management dimensions across four broad areas of management - operations, performance monitoring, targets and people management.Findings: The findings reveal the areas of strength and potential areas of improvement in the Queensland and NSW Health hospital management practices when compared with public hospitals in seven countries, namely, USA, UK, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy and Canada. Together, Queensland and NSW Health hospitals perform best in operations management followed by performance monitoring. While target management presents scope for improvement, people management is the sphere where these Australian hospitals lag the most.Practical Implications: This paper is of interest to both hospital administrators and health care policy-makers aiming to lift management quality at the hospital level as well as at the institutional level, as a vehicle to consistently deliver sustainable high-quality health services.Originality/value: This study provides the first internationally comparable robust measure of management capability in Australian public hospitals, where hospitals are run independently by the state-run healthcare systems. Additionally, this research study contributes to the empirical evidence base on the quality of management practices in the Australian public healthcare systems of Queensland and NSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: In the past 30 years, many people with (intellectual) learning disabilities have been moved out of large "institutions" and into their own home in their local communityThese people are now often between 30 and 50 years oldWe asked people with learning disabilities aged between 30 and 50 and who are living in their local community what things, including work, that they enjoyed doingWe asked people with learning disabilities aged between 30 and 50 and who are living in their local community whether they felt that they could make decisions about their lifeWe found out the things that make their life good, and also what might stop people enjoying their lifeWe learnt that people with learning disabilities should receive more support to assist them before they retireWe learnt that people with learning disabilities still need more support and choice around who they live with Background: This study investigated perceived quality of life (QoL) of community‐dwelling middle‐aged adults (30–50 years) with an intellectual disability and/or developmental disability living in rural or urban areas in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. The specific aim of the current paper was to provide a descriptive evidence base of QoL and its specific domains by various key demographic characteristics of middle‐aged individuals. This cohort is likely to have either experienced or reached adulthood during and after large‐scale deinstitutionalisation in Australia. Methods and procedures: A cross‐sectional design was utilised, based on the QoL‐Q survey, testing domains of satisfaction; Competence/Productivity; Empowerment/Independence; and social belonging/community integration. The survey included demographic questions and was distributed to participants through disability support agencies across two states. The final sample included 291 respondents. Results: The overall QoL‐Q scores ranged from 3.0 to 29.5 (Mean = 20.4, SD, 4.1), with considerable variation in mean scores both across and within domains. The two demographic areas that showed greatest predictive value for QoL were work status and accommodation issues. The loss of agency and control in choice of co‐residents influenced perceived QoL for empowerment and independence domain of QoL‐Q. Conclusions: The findings highlight QoL issues associated with policy decisions and support programmes for middle‐aged adults. The two key recommendations arising from the project are that future planning for post‐retirement or reduced working hours needs to commence at a much younger age than currently expected, and more attention needs to focus on facilitating individual decision‐making and choice within shared accommodation options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Effective primary healthcare services have been identified by the World Health Organization as the most equitable approach to enhancing universal healthcare. Robust models of mentoring for registered nurses (RNs) transitioning to primary healthcare roles have yet to be described in the Australian context. A robust mentoring model can support RNs to fulfill their potential, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In 2015, the peak body for nurses in primary health care (PHC) began developing a transition to practice program, including embedded mentoring to support newly graduated and more experienced registered and enrolled nurses. This quality improvement study reports the experiences and perspectives of nurses participating as mentors in two separate offerings of the program delivered between 2019 and 2021. Method: A two-phase concurrent mixed methods evaluation utilized data from pre- and post online surveys and post program meetings. Quantitative items underwent descriptive analyses. Thematic analysis of free-text responses and comments was conducted independently by two researchers. Mentors voluntarily provided self-report data and were informed that data is routinely collected to support continuous quality improvement processes for all programs. An Information Sheet informed mentors of data usage, confidentiality, and options to withdraw without penalty from the program at any time. Results: Seventy-nine mentors were recruited to support two groups of nurses (N = 111). Mentor self-rated overall satisfaction with program participation was 86.67% (very or extremely satisfied). Mentors described being "witness to mentee growth," "having facilitated access to learning" and receiving "unexpected benefits" including personal and professional growth and enhanced enthusiasm for their role in PHC. Conclusion: The embedded mentoring reported in this article combined a focus on skills acquisition and professional identity with the provision of a range of resources and support activities. Sustainable mentoring programs will be an important mechanism for supporting the expanding roles required of nurses working in primary health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This paper aims to assess the barriers and solutions to the delivery of eye care in primary care settings and solutions to improve the use of comprehensive eye care among Indigenous Australians. Design, setting, participants Qualitative, mixed method study participants include Aboriginal community members, and health and eye care providers in urban, rural and remote settings. Main outcome measures Present evidence for health care providers to better understand and address some of the barriers that limit access to eye care in primary care settings. Results Patient perspectives on barriers to accessing eye care and reasons they choose to seek care or not are presented. Health system barriers identified by health and eye care providers are also presented. Additionally, key enablers for improving access to eye care through primary care services are identified. Conclusion Primary health care services have an important role in Indigenous eye health. There is a critical role for primary care in the coordination of the patient journey and cooperating with other services to improve access to comprehensive eye care. Through improved provision of primary eye care, monitoring of Indigenous eye health indicators and supporting patients to access eye care, it is possible to close the gap for vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education is state-run in Australia, and within each of the eight states and territories there are both government and independent schooling systems. This paper details the position of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ) students within Australian education policy documents nationally, focusing on the three largest states and educational sectors in Australia. Survey data are used to report on the schooling experiences of over 3000 Australian GLBTIQ young people aged 14–21 years. Data from interviews with key policy informants identify both the obstacles to implementing policies, and how such obstacles have been overcome. Much official policy sees sexuality education as promoting inclusive, protective and affirming messages around GLBTIQ students. There exist significant correlations between policy and a variety of well-being and psycho-social outcomes for GLBTIQ students, including lowered incidence of homophobic abuse and suicide, and the creation of supportive school environments. Ideal policy visions are outlined, along with practical recommendations of relevance to a variety of stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A rights perspective proposes supported decision-making as an alternative to substitute decision-making. However, evidence about supported decision-making practice is limited. Our aim was to build evidence about building the capacity of decision supporters. Eighteen parents of people with intellectual disabilities were trained in decision support using the La Trobe Support for Decision-making Practice Framework. Data from repeated semi-structured interviews and mentoring sessions were used to capture parental reflections on the value of training. The training acted as a catalyst for parent self-reflection and the Framework prompted them to adopt a more deliberative approach to supporting decision-making. Some parents perceived increased confidence of their adult offspring in expressing preferences resulting from their own changed approach. This study demonstrates the efficacy of this Framework and evidence-based training in building the capacity of parental decision supporters to be consistent with the rights paradigm. The La Trobe Support for Decision-making Practice Framework is an evidence-based approach to decision support practice with an accompanying set of free online resources which can be used by individual practitioners or programs to inform their practice and build the capacity of supporters. Parents of adults with intellectual disabilities value training in the La Trobe Support for Decision-making Practice Framework, which they consider helps to develop their decision support skills and self-reflection. Parents also value individual mentoring following training to assist them to apply the principles of the practice framework to the everyday support for decision-making they provide to their adult son or daughter. Training in support practice should be accompanied by individual mentoring or other strategies to assist parents of adults with intellectual disabilities to discuss and solve the difficult issues they confront in providing decision support more aligned to the rights paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing commitment to trauma-informed practice and increased recognition of risks associated with this work. However, the benefits of working with trauma-affected clients are under-studied. Drawing on interviews with sixty-three welfare, health and legal professionals in Australia, we consider the salutogenic dynamics of work with women with experiences of complex trauma. Participants articulated an ethics of care in which professionals ally with clients against abuse and violence as well as transactional neoliberal service models. We identify this approach to trauma work as a form of vicarious resistance that challenges dichotomies of vicarious trauma and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fathers in families raising children with disabilities are under-researched. Fathers' perspectives can be better accommodated in childhood disability services that operate on a family-centred paradigm if their perspectives are understood. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of fathers on caring and family life, work, and health. A mixed-methods design with an online questionnaire included open-ended questions and three instruments: Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS); Health Promoting Activities Scale (HPAS-M); Fathers of Children with Developmental Challenges (FCDC) Scale. Fathers (n = 33) reported high depressive (58%), anxiety (37%), and stress symptoms (61%). Fathers reported low participation in health-promoting activity with less than weekly: planning health activities (58%); solo physical activity (26%); social activity (3%); time relaxing (16%). Sixty-four percent worked full-time, although work was reported to be challenged by family responsibilities. Fathers described directly caring for their children although service interactions were low and delegated to mothers. Fathers in this study reported stress, mental health issues, and low participation in healthy activity. Fathers experienced challenges related to career progression and job choices due to family responsibilities. Providing individualised and responsive support to fathers of a child with a disability would better support the family unit. Fathers of children with a disability in this study experienced high mental health symptoms. Fathers were involved with their child's care at home but had low service interactions suggesting that service providers need to discover new ways to better engage fathers. Fathers experienced challenges to participation in paid work secondary to care responsibilities for their child with a disability and resulting needs of their family. Services that better support fathers are important to promote better health and wellbeing and support families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family carers of people with mental illness provide an immense contribution to society in caring for mental health consumers. However, carers can experience substantial burdens and poor health outcomes themselves. Recognition of their needs for education and support has led to the development of a range of family education programmes. Throughout Australia, the Mental Illness Fellowship Australia offers the Well Ways programme, a group-based, family-to-family, education programme that provides information and aims to increase carers' capacity to care effectively for themselves, their families, and the mental health consumers. This paper describes a qualitative evaluation of an emotional support service piloted in a Well Ways programme in rural Queensland, Australia. The pilot service comprised individual emotional support offered to family carers attending the weekly Well Ways group education programme. Six of eight family carers who received the emotional support engaged in semistructured interviews exploring their experience of receiving the support. Three themes emerged from their experience: dealing with difficult times, connecting through shared experience, and exploring different options. Family carers found the emotional support beneficial, and reported that it enhanced their capacity to manage their own well-being, as well as their caregiving roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staff members in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) make prioritization decisions to determine which aspects of care are most important and thus should be attended to first. Prioritization can potentially result in substandard care if lower priority tasks are delayed or left undone, known as "missed care." This study investigated the contexts in which prioritization dilemmas arise in RACFs and the influences on prioritization decision-making. Thirty-two staff members participated in a think-aloud task during a prioritization activity, a demographic questionnaire, a post-sorting interview, and a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Prioritization dilemmas occurred in response to high workloads, inadequate staffing, unexpected events, and conflicting demands. Seven influences on prioritization decision-making were identified. In some instances, these influences were seen to be in conflict, making prioritization decision-making challenging. Efforts to prevent missed care should consider the influences on staff members' decision-making and aim to reduce prioritization dilemmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate family members' prioritisation of care in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Introduction and background: Family members are often involved in the care of their older relatives even after these relatives transit to a RACF. Understanding family members' priorities regarding care (i.e., what is most important to them) can provide valuable insights into how to better meet residents' needs. Design: A multisite mixed‐methods study comprising qualitative methods and Q methodology. The qualitative component of the study was guided by the COREQ checklist. Methods: Participants comprised 27 family members of residents living in one of five participating Australian RACFs. Participants rank‐ordered 34 cards, each representing an aspect of care, on a predefined grid from "Least important" (−4) to "Most important" (+4). Participants also engaged in a think‐aloud task, demographic questionnaire, post‐sorting interview and semi‐structured interview. Q data were analysed using inverted factor techniques to identify factors that each represent a portion of shared meaning. Factors were interpreted as viewpoints using data from the think‐aloud task and interviews. These data were further analysed using inductive content analysis to reveal influences on prioritisation decision‐making. Results: Three distinct viewpoints were identified through Q methodology: prioritisation of residents' physical needs, maintaining residents' independence, and human connection. Inductive content analysis revealed four influences on prioritisation decision‐making: residents' capabilities and support requirements, unmet needs, family bridging the gaps, and family knowledge of residents. Conclusions: The study indicated that to meet residents' needs and family members' priorities, individualised approaches to care are warranted. It also demonstrated the vital role family members play in residents' care when needs are not fully met. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Strategies to improve individualised care in clinical practice include flexibility of routines, supporting family members' involvement in care, workforce training focused on family–staff communication, and safer staffing ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some patients do not receive adequate pain and symptom relief at the end of life, causing distress to patients, families and healthcare professionals. It is unclear whether undertreatment of symptoms occurs, in part, because of nurses' concerns about legal and/or disciplinary repercussions if the patient dies after medication is administered. Aim: The aim was to explore nurses' experiences and knowledge of the law relating to the provision of end-of-life pain and symptom relief. Design: Semi-structured interviews with nurses were assessed using a six-stage hybrid thematic analysis technique. Setting/participants: Four face-to-face and 21 telephone interviews were conducted with nurses who routinely prescribed and/or administered pain and symptom relief to patients approaching the end of their lives in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Results: While many nurses had no personal experiences with legal or professional repercussions after a patient had died, the fear of hastening death and being held accountable was frequently discussed and regarded as relevant to the provision of inadequate pain and symptom relief. Concerns included potential civil or criminal liability and losing one's job, registration or reputation. Two-thirds of participants believed that pain relief was sometimes withheld because of these legal concerns. Less than half of the interviewed nurses demonstrated knowledge of the doctrine of double effect, the legal protection for health professionals who provide end-of-life pain and symptom relief. Conclusion: Education is urgently required to strengthen nurses' knowledge of the legal protections supporting the provision of appropriate palliative medication, thereby improving their clinical practice with end-of-life patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear links have been established between low health literacy (HL) levels and poor health outcomes. One means of improvement may be found in the rapidly growing paid home care workforce, whose direct and frequent contact with aged/disabled care recipients positions them to provide HL support. This study examines Australian homecare worker (HCW) experiences in HL when providing assistance to their care recipients. A self-reported cross-sectional survey collected data from 75 HCWs. They reported concerns about their clients' HL, yet were cautious about providing support in this area. HL levels of the HCWs themselves were unconvincing, and the majority requested targeted education and training. Further research is needed into HL levels of both HCWs and care recipients, client demographics, the types of HL support being requested of HCWs, a more detailed scoping of the HCW role, and the curriculum and pedagogies which may comprise a HL education and training program for HCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of caregivers regarding the information and support they received following diagnosis of their child’s hearing loss. Design: A mixed methods explanatory sequential design was conducted. Study sample: A total of 445 caregivers of children completed a written survey, and five parents participated in qualitative in-depth interviews. Results: The most common sources of information for caregivers were discussion with an audiologist, written information, and discussion with a medical professional. Approximately 85% of caregivers reported they were satisfied with the personal/emotional support and information received from service providers. Additional comments from 91 caregivers indicated that 11% experienced a breakdown in information transfer with health professionals. Interviews conducted with five parents from three families revealed two themes which described the diagnostic period as a difficult and emotional experience for parents: (1) support and information provided during diagnosis: what happens first? and (2) accessing early intervention services following a diagnosis of hearing loss: navigating the maze. Conclusions: The findings of this study give insight into the perspectives of caregivers who have a child diagnosed with hearing loss. The importance of providing timely information and personal/emotional support to caregivers cannot be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the nature of parental involvement in the intervention of children with hearing loss, as experienced by parents. Design: A qualitative descriptive methodology was adopted to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of parents who have a child with hearing loss. Study sample: Seventeen parents of 11 children aged 6-9 years participated in this study. Results: The overarching theme of parents taking the central role was identified using thematic analysis. This overarching theme connected five themes which described the nature of parental involvement: (1) parents work behind the scenes; (2) parents act as ‘case managers’; (3) parents always have their child’s language development in mind; (4) parents’ role extends to advocacy for all children with hearing loss; and (5) parents serve a number of roles, but at the end of the day, they are parents. Conclusions: The results indicate that parental involvement in the intervention of children with hearing loss is multifaceted in nature and incorporates a broad range of behaviours and practices. These findings have important implications for the provision of family-centred practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives This study aimed to establish the scale of alcohol-related injuries originating in the home. Background Despite recent media and public attention on alcohol-related injuries occurring at licensed venues, many occur in other locations including the home. Design A retrospective observational study. Methods Emergency department surveillance data sourced from the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit were interrogated for alcohol-related emergency department presentations from 2003-2012 (n = 12,296). Descriptive analysis was undertaken to assess alcohol involvement in injury, and analysis of variance was used to determine the differences among group means and their associated presentations. The relationship between demographic variables and injury location was assessed using p value of <0·05 as statistically significant. Results Of all injuries that were positively identified as being alcohol related, 41·07% occurred at the 'other' location, 36·14% 'at home', 13·00% on the street and 9·78% at licensed premises. Of these, males ( n = 2635; 59%) represented a higher proportion than females ( n = 1807; 41%). Of injuries identified as domestic violence by spouse or partner ( n = 510), 59·5% occurred 'at home'. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate alcohol-related injuries occurring at home. The home accounts for a greater proportion of injuries than the frequently assessed licensed premises location. Further research is required to validate these findings in a wider setting. Relevance to clinical practice A public health campaign is required to minimise harm associated with alcohol-related injuries in the home, and nurses are positioned to inform health policy makers around this issue. Furthermore, emergency department nurses are in a unique position to provide brief interventions around safe alcohol consumption and injury prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:While research has begun to explore the management of aphasia across the continuum of care, to date there is little in-depth, context specific knowledge relating to the speech pathology aphasia management pathway. This research aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the current aphasia management pathway in the acute hospital setting, from the perspective of speech pathologists. Method:Underpinned by a social constructivist paradigm, the researchers implemented an interpretive phenomenological method when conducting in-depth interviews with 14 Australian speech pathologists working in the acute hospital setting. Interview transcripts and interviewer field notes were subjected to a qualitative content analysis. Results:Analysis identified a single guiding construct and five main categories to describe the management of aphasia in the acute hospital setting. The guiding construct,First contact with the profession,informed the entire management pathway. Five additional main categories were identified:Referral processes;Screening and assessment;Therapeutic intervention;Educational and affective counselling; andAdvocacy. Conclusions:Findings suggest significant diversity in the pathways of care for people with aphasia and their families in the acute hospital setting. Additional support mechanisms are required in order to support speech pathologists to minimise the evidence-practice gap.Implications for RehabilitationSignificant diversity exists in the current aphasia management pathway for people with acute post-stroke aphasia and their families in the acute hospital setting.Mechanisms that support speech pathologists to minimise the evidence-practice gap, and consequently reduce their sense of professional dissonance, are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective An educational bottleneck occurs when students enter a phase of their training in which progression is highly competitive and determined by academic performance. We hypothesised that educational bottlenecks have a negative impact on student wellbeing, and investigated six potential protective factors. Method A mixed-method approach was used to explore the hitherto unstudied impact of bottlenecks on student wellbeing in a sample of psychology honours students at two time points: at the time of research thesis submission and a month later after grades had been awarded. Results At the time of submission, honours students experienced high levels of psychological distress and low wellbeing relative to student norms, with 49% scoring in the clinical range for depression. Higher-achieving students had the lowest wellbeing at the time of submission. Wellbeing had improved substantially 1 month later, except among students who received a disappointing grade. Perceived control over academic outcomes and having multiple group memberships from which to draw social support were found to be most important factors for protecting student mental health. Conclusion Educational bottlenecks are associated with reduced student wellbeing. Higher-achieving students, those who feel little control over their academic outcomes, and those who lack social group memberships are at highest risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To explore issues and challenges associated with nurse-administered procedural sedation and analgesia in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory from the perspectives of senior nurses. Background Nurses play an important part in managing sedation because the prescription is usually given verbally directly from the cardiologist who is performing the procedure and typically, an anaesthetist is not present. Design A qualitative exploratory design was employed. Methods Semi-structured interviews with 23 nurses from 16 cardiac catheterisation laboratories across four states in Australia and also New Zealand were conducted. Data analysis followed the guide developed by Braun and Clark to identify the main themes. Results Major themes emerged from analysis regarding the lack of access to anaesthetists, the limitations of sedative medications, the barriers to effective patient monitoring and the impact that the increasing complexity of procedures has on patients' sedation requirements. Conclusions The most critical issue identified in this study is that current guidelines, which are meant to apply regardless of the clinical setting, are not practical for the cardiac catheterisation laboratory due to a lack of access to anaesthetists. Furthermore, this study has demonstrated that nurses hold concerns about the legitimacy of their practice in situations when they are required to perform tasks outside of clinical practice guidelines. To address nurses' concerns, it is proposed that new guidelines could be developed, which address the unique circumstances in which sedation is used in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses need to possess advanced knowledge and skills in monitoring for the adverse effects of sedation. Several challenges impact on nurses' ability to monitor patients during procedural sedation and analgesia. Preprocedural patient education about what to expect from sedation is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This research describes issues related to human rights as they arose within the everyday lives of people in nine personal support networks that included adult Australians with an intellectual disability ( ID). Method The research was part of a wider 3-year ethnographic study of nine personal support networks. A major criterion for recruitment was that people in these networks were committed to actively developing the positive, meaningful future of an adult family member with an ID. Data were collected from November 2007 to March 2011 via interviews, participant observations and analysed within the framework of situational analysis. Findings were checked with network members. Results The issue of rights was challenging to network members. Subtle rights violations could have a major impact on an individual with a disability. Network members worked to protect the rights of people with ID by building and maintaining an empathic and respectful support network, developing the person's self-confidence and autonomy and ensuring that the person with an ID was an active member of the personal support network. Conclusion The maintenance of rights within a supportive environment remains a difficult task. It can be facilitated by a deep knowledge and respect for the person being supported, the promotion of his or her active participation in the planning and provision of support, and an experimental and reflective approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. This study sought to compare two well-known and well-used self-report quality of life questionnaires in terms of completion rates, reliability and assessment of quality of life. Background. People with dementia have a meaningful experience of quality of life and several disease-specific instruments have been designed to capture self-report assessments. Design. A quantitative survey design, with a convenience sample of older people with dementia from four long-term care facilities. Method. Sixty-one participants were recruited for survey on the Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire. Results. The Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire had a higher rate of completion (98·4%) than the Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire (68·9%). Those unable to complete the latter measure had significantly greater cognitive impairment ( F1,59 = 30·35, p < 0·001) than those completing the measure. Internal reliability was good for the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire (0·86), but there were varying levels found for the five Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire subscales (0·79-0·48). The Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire was significantly correlated with all the Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire subscales and overall item. Conclusions. Although it is recognised that there is no superior instrument in assessing quality of life, this study found both the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire and Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire to be useful self-report instruments. Relevance to clinical practice. Assessment of quality of life should include the perspective of the person with dementia. The Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire and Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire appear to measure similar aspects of quality of life. Where assessments are sought from participants with more advanced cognitive and functional impairment, it may be favourable to employ the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]