Development of a Questionnaire for Atrial Fibrillation Patients' Quality of Life
Author Information
Author(s): Badia Xavier, Arribas Fernando, Ormaetxe Jose Miguel, Peinado Rafael, de los Terreros Miguel Sainz
Primary Institution: IMS Health
Hypothesis
The study aims to develop a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire specifically for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Conclusion
An initial HRQoL questionnaire, AFQoL-18, has been developed to assess HRQoL in AF patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified 10 domains affecting HRQoL in AF patients.
- A total of 286 items were identified and reduced to 40 for the preliminary questionnaire.
- The AF-QoL-18 questionnaire was developed based on patient feedback and statistical analysis.
Takeaway
Researchers created a new questionnaire to help understand how atrial fibrillation affects patients' daily lives.
Methodology
The study involved a literature review, focus groups with cardiologists, and interviews with patients to develop and test a preliminary questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from non-self-administered questionnaires and the focus on symptomatic patients.
Limitations
The study's methodology for assessing HRQoL in AF patients was not standardized, and the sample may not represent all AF patients.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 60.52 years, with 64.3% male and 52.7% having paroxysmal AF.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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