Objectives: To review the assessment of quality of life in vascular disease, with particular reference to the Nottingham Health Profile and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36.
Design and methods: A detailed literature search of relevant publications. Trans-national and trans-cultural convergence and validity of these scales were assessed.
Results: The Short Form 36 was found to be the most valid and reliable quality of life measure for use in an international vascular setting.
Conclusion: In the absence of a specific dedicated vascular disease quality of life measure, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 should be used as a quality of life measure in the assessment of vascular disease in an international setting.