OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and usefulness of administering a quality of life questionnaire within routine clinical practice with renal patients. METHODS: This was a national 5 centre study administering a disease-specific questionnaire, the Renal Quality of Life Profile (RQLP). The RQLP was administered by nurses to patients in addition to some demographic and open-ended. Nurses reviewed the completed questionnaire, to identify potential areas requiring discussion and contacted the patient to discuss. RESULTS: The RQLP was administered to 140 patients: 24 predialysis, 12 home haemodialysis, 25 satellite haemodialysis, 21 hospital haemodialysis, 32 CAPD, and 26 transplant. 44% completed the questionnaire in the waiting room, 22% in the consulting room, and 34% on dialysis or at home. During questionnaire review, nurses felt there were issues requiring discussion in 46% of patients. Commonly cited issues were related to holidays, sex life, tiredness, mobility, and depression. These issues were either discussed with the nurse immediately in person (65%), or the patient was contacted by telephone (28%) or post (7%). Of those patients who were contacted, 70% were interested in discussing the issues, of whom 3 were referred to andrology clinics and 11 were to be reviewed at a future appointment. CONCLUSION: Measurement of QoL is feasible and useful in the routine clinical nursing practice.