A second feature of the WHOQOL method was the iterative input from quality of life researchers and the integration and revision of this information at a basic level at each stage of the instrument's development.

This ensured that the instrument design took into account both existing expertise in assessing quality of life and the opinions of 4,444 healthcare professionals and patients.

It is increasingly recognized that the patient's perspective is paramount when assessing quality of life (Smart and Yates, 1987; Calman, 1987; Breslin, 1991; Gerin, Dazord, Boissel et al.

Furthermore, as medical professionals and researchers most commonly use his WHOQOL instrument, it is important that this instrument is also accepted by these groups.