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Studies A-Z > D > Development and validation of PUQOL measure
Development and validation of PUQOL measure
The development and validation of patient-reported outcome measure of health-related quality of life for patients with pressure ulcers PUQOL project
Pressure ulcers (PUs), commonly known as bedsores, are a major burden to patients, carers and the NHS. They are a complication of serious acute or chronic illness and can lead to death. Often they cause pain and discomfort and have an undesirable effect on quality of life and wellbeing.
An academic/clinical group led by Nurse Prof Jane Nixon of the Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Leeds, was successful in gaining £2 million funding to support a five-year Pressure UlceR Programme Of ReSEarch (PURPOSE) from the National Institute of Health Research aimed at reducing the impact of PUs on patients. This is a joint Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Leeds, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust programme, currently being undertaken in 18 NHS centres across England.
PURPOSE comprises two themes: Risk Assessment and Quality of Life. The Pressure Ulcer Quality of Life (PUQOL) study will develop a psychometrically rigorous, patient-reported outcome measure of quality of life to capture quality of life issues important to patients with PUs. This measure will be suitable for use by nurses and in clinical research.
The development phase of PUQOL began in October 2008 and the initial data collection started in April 2009. We are currently seeking GP practices that would like to become involved in the PUQOL study as patient identification centres.