Abstract

Abstract
Background: A conceptual model approach to clarify the elements of health-related quality of life (HRQL), their
determinants and causal pathways is needed to aid researchers, health practitioners and policy makers in their bid
to improve HRQL outcomes in patients. The aim of this systematic review was to appraise empirical evidence on
the performance of the Wilson and Cleary Model of HRQL.
Methods: We conducted a search of MEDLINE, Science Direct, PsyARTICLES and CINAHL databases to identify
articles that used Wilson and Cleary model to examine HRQL in chronic diseases. A narrative synthesis was
employed in the review of the articles.
Results: Evidence supports linkages between adjacent concepts and between non-adjacent concepts of the Wilson
and Cleary model indicating that in practice there is a need to examine relationships among constructs - or to
consider interventions in terms of - both with and without mediators. Symptoms status has the highest magnitude
of relative impact on health-related quality of life.
Conclusion: The Wilson and Cleary model demonstrated good features suitable for evaluating health-related
quality of life in chronic diseases.
Keywords: Health-related quality of life, Conceptual model, Causal relationships, Chronic diseases