Livskvalitetsbevarende

Livskvalitetsbevarende (life quality–preserving) is a concept in health and social care describing interventions and approaches aimed at maintaining or improving an individual’s quality of life, rather than focusing solely on disease elimination. It emphasizes a person-centered, holistic view of well-being, integrating physical, psychological, social, and, when relevant, spiritual dimensions.

The concept is applied across settings such as geriatric care, chronic disease management, rehabilitation, palliative and end-of-life care, and home-based health services. Assessment typically relies on patient-reported outcome measures and functional assessments to monitor symptoms, daily functioning, and overall well-being. Planning involves shared decision-making with patients and families, setting goals that reflect personal values and life context, and coordinating multidisciplinary care.

Common components include effective symptom management (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances), nutrition and mobility support, rehabilitation to preserve independence, assistive devices to maintain activities of daily living, cognitive and social stimulation, and access to psychosocial and spiritual care. End-of-life planning and advance care planning are often integrated when appropriate. Desired outcomes focus on sustained independence, reduced symptom burden, continued social participation, preserved autonomy, and an enhanced sense of purpose and dignity.

Challenges in implementing livskvalitetsbevarende care include balancing goals of life extension with quality-of-life considerations, resource constraints, cultural and individual differences in values, and the measurement of quality of life itself. The approach is closely linked to patient-centered care, holistic care, and palliative care, and is increasingly reflected in health policy and care models that prioritize the preservation of functional ability and everyday well-being in aging populations and individuals with chronic illnesses.