Amsterdam (The Netherlands), seaport and principal city of The Netherlands, is divided by more than 80 km (more than 50 mi) of canals into about 90 islands joined by about 400 bridges. Almost the entire city rests on a foundation of piles driven through peat and sand to a firm substratum of clay.

ISOQOL 2001
November 7 - 10
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Dear colleagues,

We want to express our condolences to and our solidarity with colleagues in the U.S. and elsewhere who have been affected, either directly or indirectly, by the tragic events that took place in New York, Washington and elsewhere in the U.S. on September 11th, 2001. In the aftermath of those events, we are all grappling with personal, professional and public issues that will undoubtedly affect us for many years to come.

As the organizers of the ISOQOL 2001 Conference to be held in Amsterdam on November 7-10, 2001, we want to confirm that the meeting will take place as planned. Perhaps now more than ever, our meeting can send a strong, affirmative message to the scientific community and to the public at large on the theme "quality of life."

We look forward to seeing you here in Amsterdam.

Best regards,
Neil Aaronson and Mirjam Sprangers
Co-chairs of the ISOQOL 2001 Conference




8th Annual Conference
of the International Society
for Quality of Life Research
November 7 - 10, 2001
Amsterdam, The Netherlands




Abstract Acceptance
Notifications were sent June 30, 2001




Index


An Invitation

Dear Colleague,

On behalf of the International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL), it is our pleasure to invite you to attend the 8th Annual Conference that will be held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on November 7-10, 2001.

This year’s meeting will have four themes: HRQL in Daily Clinical Practice, Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL) and Mental Health, Psychosocial Modeling of HRQL Outcomes, and HRQL, Happiness, and Social Indicators Research. The program will include, for each theme, two plenary lectures by distinguished colleagues in the field. These state-of-the-art lectures will hopefully serve as a catalyst for lively discussions of these and other topical issues during the course of the meeting. The success of the meeting will, as always, depend largely on the active participation and contribution of HRQL researchers representing a broad spectrum of professional disciplines. We encourage you to submit abstracts of your best and most recent work, and to plan ahead for your participation in Amsterdam.

As in previous years, proffered papers will be presented in both parallel oral sessions and in poster (discussion) sessions, and there will be opportunities to meet with various experts during early morning sessions. Additionally, this year we are organizing, for the first time, four special, multi-speaker sessions around the themes: Clinical Significance of HRQL Outcomes, HRQL in Ethnic Minority Cancer Populations, HRQL and the Cognitive Sciences, and Summary Measures of Population Health. These sessions will combine brief presentations with ample opportunity for audience discussion. On the final day of the meeting, intensive workshops will be held covering a range of conceptual and methodological topics.

Amsterdam is a beautiful, historical and vibrant city, combining old world charm with a contemporary pulse. We look forward to welcoming you to a productive professional meeting and, we hope, an enriching personal experience.

See you in November in Amsterdam.

Drs. Neil Aaronson and Mirjam Sprangers
Co-Chairs, 8th Annual Conference of ISOQOL


Provisional Program
 
Wednesday,
November 7
Thursday,
November 8
Friday,
November 9
Saturday,
November 10









9:00 am
Registration Opens

10:00-11:30 am
Satellite Meeting: "Quality of Life Research in Europe and North America: Psychometric Health Status Measures versus Utilities/QALYs," Dennis Revicki/MEDTAP International


12:00-4:00 pm
Posters Up




1:00-1:15 pm
Presidential Welcome

1:15-2:45 pm
Plenary I


2:45-3:15 pm
Posters-Meet the Authors

3:15-3:45 pm
Posters-Discussion Session

3:45-4:00 pm Break

4:00-5:30 pm
Oral Session I







5:45-6:45 pm
Welcome Reception
8:00-9:00 am
Current Issues in QOL Measurement: Differing Perspectives
(two concurrent sessions)




9:00-10:30 am
Plenary II



10:30 am-5:00 pm
Posters Up

10:30-11:00 am Break



11:00 am-
12:30 pm
Oral Session II



12:30-2:00 pm
ISOQOL Business Meeting/Lunch





2:00-3:30 pm
Special Sessions
(four held concurrently)



3:30-4:00 pm
Posters-Meet the Authors



4:00-4:30 pm
Posters-Discussion Session



4:30-4:45 pm Break

4:45-6:15 pm
Oral Session III


6:15-7:15 pm
"Assembly of Nations" panel discussion

7:15-8:15 pm
Satellite Meeting "Spiritual Aspects of Quality of Life: Development of an Assessment Module for use in Cross Cultural Settings," Dr. Shekhar Saxena/WHO and Dr. Lynn Underwood/Fetzer
8:00-9:00 am
Current Issues in QOL Measurement: Differing Perspectives
(two concurrent sessions)

9:00-10:30 am
Plenary III



10:30 am-5:00 pm
Posters Up

10:30-11:00 am Break

11:00 am-
12:30 pm
Oral Session IV



12:30-2:00 pm
Lunch on Your Own (Policy Forum Discussion Session)





2:00-3:30 pm
Oral Session V




3:30-4:00 pm
Posters-Meet the Authors


4:00-4:30 pm
Posters-Discussion Session

4:30-6:00 pm
Plenary IV



6:00-6:15 pm
Awards & Closing Ceremonies

7:30 pm
Dinner at the Koepelkerk









8:00 am-11:00 pm
Workshop
3 (SPECIAL TIME)






9:00 am-12:00 pm
Workshops
1, 4, 5, 9, 11









12:00-1:00 pm
Lunch on Your Own


1:00-4:00 pm
Workshops
2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12


"Current Issues in QOL Measurement: Differing Perspectives"
(Two concurrent sessions each, Thursday and Friday mornings)

A. Thursday: David Feeny and Paul Kind, Different Utility Approaches such as the HUI versus EQ-5D
B. Thursday: John Ware and Gordon Guyatt, Issues around the Use of Generic versus Disease-specific HRQL Questionnaires

A. Friday: Geoff Norman and David Osoba, Approaches to Determine Distribution versus Anchor-based Clinical Meaningfulness
B. Friday: Diane Fairclough and Koos Zwinderman, Approaches to Dealing with Missing Data in Longitudinal HRQL Investigations


The Special Sessions and Plenary Sessions and tentative titles/speakers:

I. Plenary Sessions
A. HRQL in Daily Clinical Practice: Michael Baum (UK) and John Ware (US), Chair: Neil Aaronson (NL)
B. HRQL and Mental Health: Hans Ormel (NL) and George Awad (CA), Chair: William Lenderking (USA)
C. Psychosocial Modeling of HRQL Outcomes: Susan Folkman (US) and Hannah McGee (Ireland), Chair: Carolyn Schwartz (USA)
D.HRQL, Happiness and Social Indicators Research: Ruut Veenhoven (NL) and Alex Michalos (CA), Chair: Mirjam Sprangers (NL)

II. Special Multi-Speaker Sessions
A. Clinical Significance of HRQL Outcomes
Chair: Jeff Sloan(US)
Presenters:
  • Gordon Guyatt: "Methods Used to Date for Clinical Significance"
  • Monika Bullinger: "Group versus Individual Clinical Significance Differences"
  • Jeff Sloan: "Single Item versus Summated Scale Scores"
  • Marlene Frost: "Patient versus Clinician versus Population Perspective of Clinical Significance"
  • Mirjam Sprangers: "Assessing Changes over Time"
  • Tara Symonds: "Practical Considerations for Specific Audiences"

    B. HRQL in Ethnic Minority Cancer Populations
    Chair: Claudette Varricchio (US)
    Presenters:
  • Carolyn Gotay: "QoL Assessment in Cancer Patients of Asian, Pacific Islander and European Ancestory"
  • Carol Ferrans: "QoL Index for Black and Hispanic Patients"
  • Frank Baker: "Measuring the QoL of Culturally Diverse Cancer Survivors"
  • Carol Moinpour: "Using Structural Equation Modeling to Test Measurement Equivalence of English and Spanish Questionnaires"
  • David Cella: "An Item Response Theory (IRT) Based Approach to Evaluating QoL Measurement Equivalence Across Languages, Cultures and Literacy Levels"

    C. HRQL and the Cognitive Sciences
    Chair: Ivan Barofsky (US)
    Presenters:
  • Keith Meadows: "Applying Cognitive Aspects of Survey Methods (CASM) to Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment: The Hull Meeting"
  • Jennifer Madans: "The History and Use of the Single, Self-Assessed Health Status Item in Health Surveys and Clinical Applications"
  • Debbie Collins: "Cognitive Interviewing: Methods and Analysis of Data"
  • Ivan Barofsky: "The Cognitive Interviewing/Self-Assessed Health Status Protocol: Draft Protocol"

    D. Summary Measures of Population Health: Design and Applications
    Chair: David Feeny(CA)
    Presenters:
  • David Feeny: "Designing Preference-Based Summary Measures of Population Health"
  • Jean-Marie Berthelot: "Using Summary Measures of Population Health to Make Comparisons Across Time and Space: Results from Population Health Surveys in Canada"
  • Colin D. Mathers: "New Methods for Improving the Cross-Population Comparability of Health Status Data for Summary Measures of Population Health"
  • Discussant: Donald L. Patrick, University of Washington

    English is the official language of the conference, no simultaneous translation.


  • Guidelines for Submission of Abstracts

    Deadline: The deadline for regular submission of abstracts has passed (May 1, 2001).

    Registration Requirement: Authors whose abstracts are accepted are required to register by July 30, 2001.

    Click here to learn more about the NEW CALL for "Late Breaker" Poster Abstracts!!!



    Topics for Abstract Submission

    Methodological and Theoretical Topics in QOL
    1. Analytic Issues (longitudinal studies/missing data/multiplicity of endpoints)
    2. Individualized Measures
    3. Instrument Calibration/Equivalency among Scales
    4. Interpretation of HRQOL data
    5. Item Response Theory (IRT)
    6. Modes of Administration
    7. Proxy Measures
    8. Psychometric Methods/Scaling
    9. Qualitative Methods
    10. Response Shift
    11. Responsiveness/Interpretation
    12. Scale Development/Validation
    13. Scale Translation/Cultural Adaptation
    14. Theories of Quality of Life
    15. Utilities

    Disease-Specific Applications of QOL Research
    A. Cardiovascular Disease
    B. Chronic Disease
    C. Dermatology
    D. Gastrointestinal Disease
    E. Gynecology/Obstetrics/Endocrine
    F. Infectious Disease/HIV/AIDS
    G. Musculosketal/Rheumatology
    H. Neurology
    I. Oncology
    J. Psychiatric Disorders/Substance Abuse
    K. Psychoneuroimmunology
    L. Respiratory Disease
    M. Surgery/Transplantation
    N. Urology/Nephrology

    QOL in Special Populations
    O. Children
    P. Disability/Injury/Rehabilitation
    Q. Elderly
    R. End of Life care
    S. Family/Caregivers
    T. Minority Populations

    QOL in Specific Research Settings
    U. Clinical Trials
    V. Disease Prevention/Public Health
    W. Epidemiology/Population based studies
    X. Health Services Research/Technology Assessment
    Y. Medical Practice/Quality of Care


    Scientific Awards

    ISOQOL presents five Annual Awards honoring individuals in three different categories. ISOQOL is committed to promoting excellence in quality of life research; therefore, again this year, the Young Investigators' Awards will be presented during the conference closing plenary ceremony. These awards recognize the best overall oral and poster presentations made by individuals under age 35.

    New in 2001, The President's Award will be given annually to someone who has advanced QLR and has made outstanding contributions to ISOQOL in one or more of the following areas: education of professionals, patients or lay individuals about HRQOL's value; promotion or execution of HRQOL or other scholarly activities; facilitating or furthering policy initiatives that have an impact on HRQOL. The awardee will be selected by the Executive Committee and endorsed by the Board. Individuals who excel in one or more of the named areas may be nominated by a colleague, student or friend. For more information on the nomination process contact the ISOQOL office.


    Scholarships

    The deadline for submitting applications for Scholarships for young investigators and those with financial need who reside in developing countries has passed.


    Training Workshops

    Duration: All workshops will last three hours and will be held on Saturday, November 10 at the RAI, ISOQOL's official Conference center.

    Final Workshop Program: Click here for Workshop descriptions. Individuals are encouraged to register as soon as possible—space is limited. A minimum number of participants will be required to organize a workshop.

    Workshop Registration Fee: The fee for workshop registration is US$125 per workshop or US$200 if you attend two workshops. After July 30, 2001 registration will be $150 per workshop; or $225 for two. The on-site fee will be $160 for one workshop; or $230 for two.


    Insurance

    ISOQOL cannot accept responsibility for personal losses, accidents, or damages to participants and/or accompanying persons. Participants are therefore strongly advised to obtain personal insurance to cover any eventuality that may occur during the Conference.


    Registration

    REGISTER ONLINEA! REGISTER ONLINEB!

    Registration fees:
      By July 30 After July 30
    but before Oct. 22
    On-site
    ISOQOL members: US$300 US$350 US$400
    Non-members: US$400 US$450 US$500
    Student*: US$115 US$140 US$180
    Accompanying Persons**: US$100 US$110 US$120

    *Please provide a letter from your mentor or a copy of your student identification.
    **Includes Welcome Reception on Wednesday, November 7 and Conference Dinner on Friday, November 9.

    Workshop Fees:
      Before July 30 After July 30
    but before Oct. 22
    On-Site
    One workshop US$125 US$150 US$160
    Two workshops US$200 US$225 US$230

    If your registration form with full payment is not received by October 22, 2001 you must register on-site.

    The Registration Fee includes:
    • Participation in the Conference and access to the exhibition area
    • Abstracts and program
    • Certificate of attendance
    • Welcome Reception on Wednesday, November 7
    • Refreshments/coffee breaks on Thursday and Friday, November 8 and 9
    • Lunch Thursday for those who attend the Business Meeting.
    Cancellations

    All cancellations must be received in writing and all refunds will be paid after the Conference. A $50 fee will be assessed for cancellations received by July 30. 50% of the total amount will be refunded if cancellation is received by October 7. 25% will be refunded if cancellation is received by November 7. Cancellations received after November 7 will not be eligible for a refund.


    Hotel Accommodation

    This year's ISOQOL meeting will take place at the RAI Congress Centre. ISOQOL has arranged through the RAI Hotel Service special sleeping room rates with several hotels, ranging from 159 Nlg (~$80 US) to 588 Nlg (~$294 US) per night plus tax for ISOQOL meeting attendees. All hotels are within 20 minutes of the RAI Centre by public transport, and are also close to shopping, cultural, and tourist attractions!

    Hotel arrangements may be made through the RAI Hotel Service, Postbus 77777,1070 MS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Telephone:+31 (0) 20 549 1927; Fax: +31 (0) 20 549 1949; website: www.rai-hotelservice.nl; e-mail: Hotelservice@rai.nl.

    An ISOQOL 2001 Hotel Reservation Form is available here. Please complete the form and return it to RAI Hotel Service. The cut-off date for hotel reservations is August 15, 2001; however, we recommend that you make your reservations as soon as possible to ensure that you will get a room under the ISOQOL block. Any reservations requested after August 15 will be on a “subject availability” basis, at the best rate available.


    Transportation

    The Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is serviced by the world's leading airlines so it is easy to reach Amsterdam from any major city. And when you land, you are only 20 minutes away from the heart of downtown.

    Please make your own flight arrangements. If flying from the US, ISOQOL has arranged for you to receive a 10-15% discount off the lowest fare on UNITED Airlines, the official airline for the conference, for any dates traveled to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, from November 2-15, 2001 (up to five days before and after the meeting). Please be sure to give them the ISOQOL meeting code (556HF). If your travel agent makes your arrangements for you, please be sure to give your travel agent the meeting code (556HF) so you can receive this discount. UNITED Airlines reservations: 1-800-521-4041, meeting code 556HF.


    Social Events
    • An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, November 7. This reception is included with the conference registration fee.
    • A conference dinner will be held on Friday, November 9. The conference dinner is not included in the registration fee; an additional fee is required.
    Accompanying persons are invited to attend these two events—please see the registration form for details.


    ISOQOL 2001 Scientific Program Committee

    Chairs
    Neil Aaronson, PhD, The Netherlands
    Mirjam Sprangers, PhD, The Netherlands


    Committee Members
    Jordi Alonso, MD, PhD, Spain
    Rick Berzon, DrPH, USA
    Monica Bullinger, PhD, Germany
    Ann Cull, PhD, Scotland
    Diane Fairclough, DrPH, USA
    Gordon Guyatt, MD, Canada
    Paul Kind, MPhil, UK
    Donald Patrick, PhD, USA
    Dennis Revicki, PhD, USA
    Carolyn Schwartz, ScD, USA
    Marianne Sullivan, PhD, Sweden


    ISOQOL Leadership

    President
    Ivan Barofsky, PhD, USA

    President-Elect
    David Osoba, MD, Canada

    Immediate Past President
    Sharon Wood-Dauphinee, PhD, Canada

    Editor of Journal
    Neil Aaronson, PhD, The Netherlands

    Secretary-Treasurer
    Dennis Revicki, PhD, USA
    Board Members

    Marianne Amir, PhD, Israel
    Jordi Alonso, MD, PhD, Spain
    Rick Berzon, DrPH, USA
    David Cella, PhD, USA
    Diane Fairclough, DrPH, USA
    Peter Fayers, PhD, Scotland
    Shunichi Fukuhara, MD, Japan
    Geraldine Padilla, PhD, USA
    Mirjam Sprangers, PhD, The Netherlands
    Albert Wu, MD, USA


    ISOQOL Executive Office
    ISOQOL Executive Office
    ISOQOL is managed by Degnon Associates
    George K. Degnon, CAE-Executive Director
    Laura Degnon-Associate Executive Director
    Bette Anne German-Association Manager
    Sarah-Jane Ziaya-Association Manager
    6728 Old McLean Village Drive
    McLean, Virginia 22101-3906 USA
    Phone: 703-556-9222
    Fax: 703-556-8729
    Email: info@isoqol.org
    www.isoqol.org