# Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Mapping the Key Indicators by Expert Consensus and Measures for Their Assessment

## TL;DR

This study identifies key quality of life indicators for colorectal cancer survivors and finds a mismatch between these indicators and current assessment tools.

## Contribution

The study provides expert-identified QoL domains and highlights the need for better-aligned assessment tools in clinical practice.

## Key findings

- Two primary QoL domains (physical and psychological) and 17 subdomains were identified as critical by healthcare professionals.
- A review of 12 questionnaires found only two that align with the most important general domains.
- Current assessment tools do not match clinical priorities for colorectal cancer survivors' QoL.

## Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) assessments are integral to cancer care, yet their effectiveness in providing essential information for supporting survivors varies. This study aimed to elucidate key indicators of QoL among colorectal cancer survivors from the perspective of healthcare professionals, and to evaluate existing QoL questionnaires in relation to these indicators. Two studies were conducted: a Delphi study to identify key QoL indicators and a scoping review of questionnaires suitable for colorectal cancer survivors. Fifty-four healthcare professionals participated in the Delphi study’s first round, with 25 in the second. The study identified two primary QoL domains (physical and psychological) and 17 subdomains deemed most critical. Additionally, a review of 12 questionnaires revealed two instruments assessing the most important general domains. The findings underscored a misalignment between existing assessment tools and healthcare professionals’ clinical priorities in working with colorectal cancer survivors. To enhance support for survivors’ QoL, efforts are needed to develop instruments that better align with the demands of routine QoL assessment in clinical practice.