My father is going to have a total knee replacement in two weeks. The doctor told him to expect decreased pain and less stiffness. The nurse mentioned improved “quality of life.” What does this mean?

Quality of life (QOL) goes beyond just the physical. It also takes into account the patient’s social and emotional responses. Is the patient happy with the results? Is he or
she sleeping better? What’s the patient’s energy level after the recovery from the operation?

Other measures of QOL include mood and mobility. Is the patient emotionally stable? Can he or she get around better?

QOL is more about the patient’s sense of well-being than the physical results.