Factors associated with health-related quality of life in stable ambulatory congestive heart failure patients: Systematic review

Health-related quality of life across heart failure categories: associations with clinical characteristics and outcomes

AIMS

The study aims to examine characteristics and outcomes associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved, mildly reduced and reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFpEF, HFmrEF and HFrEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data on HRQoL were collected in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF; 2000-2021) using the EuroQoL 5-dimensional visual analogue scale (EQ 5D-vas). Baseline EQ 5D-vas scores were categorized as 'best' (76-100), 'good' (51-75), 'bad' (26-50) and 'worst' (0-25). Independent associations between patients' characteristics and EQ 5D-vas, as well as between EQ 5D-vas and outcomes were assessed. Of 40 809 patients (median age 74 years; 32% female), 29% were in the 'best', 41% in the 'good', 25% in the 'bad' and 5% in the 'worst' EQ 5D-vas categories, similarly distributed across all EF categories. Higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was strongly associated with lower EQ 5D-vas regardless of EF categories, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking, body mass index, higher heart rate, anaemia, previous stroke, ischaemic heart disease, use of diuretics and living alone, whereas higher income, male sex, outpatient status and higher systolic blood pressure were inversely associated with lower EQ 5D-vas categories. Patients in the 'worst' EQ 5D-vas category as compared with the 'best' had the highest risk of all-cause death [adjusted hazard ratios 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64-2.37 in HFrEF, 1.77, 95% CI 1.30-2.40 in HFmrEF and 1.43 95% CI 1.02-2.00 in HFpEF].

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients were in the two highest EQ 5D-vas categories. Higher NYHA class had the strongest association with lower EQ 5D-vas categories, across all EF categories. Patients in the worst EQ 5D-vas category were at the highest risk of mortality.

Telehealth Support From Cardiologists to Primary Care Physicians in Heart Failure Treatment: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study of the Brazilian Heart Insufficiency With Telemedicine Trial

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a prevalent condition ideally managed through collaboration between health care sectors. Telehealth between cardiologists and primary care physicians is a strategy to improve the quality of care for patients with heart failure. Still, the effectiveness of this approach on patient-relevant outcomes needs to be determined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of telehealth support provided by cardiologists for treating patients with heart failure to primary care physicians from public primary care practices in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

METHODS

We used mixed methods to assess the feasibility of telehealth support. From 2020 to 2022, we tested 2 telehealth approaches: synchronous videoconferences (phase A) and interaction through an asynchronous web platform (phase B). The primary outcome was feasibility. Exploratory outcomes were telehealth acceptability of patients, primary care physicians, and cardiologists; the patients' clinical status; and prescription practices. Qualitative methods comprised content analysis of 3 focus groups and 15 individual interviews with patients, primary care physicians, and cardiologists. Quantitative methods included the baseline assessment of 83 patients; a single-arm, before-and-after assessment of clinical status in 58 patients; and an assessment of guideline-directed medical therapy in 28 patients with reduced ejection fraction measured within 1 year of follow-up. We integrated qualitative and quantitative data using a joint display table and used the A Process for Decision-Making After Pilot and Feasibility Trials framework for feasibility assessment.

RESULTS

Telehealth support from cardiologists to primary care physicians was generally well accepted. As barriers, patients expressed concern about reduced direct access to cardiologists, primary care physicians reported work overload and a lack of relative advantage, and cardiologists expressed concern about the sustainability of the intervention. Quantitative analysis revealed an overall poor baseline clinical status of patients with heart failure, with 53% (44/83) decompensated, as expected. Compliance with guideline-directed medical therapy for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction after telehealth showed a modest improvement for β-blockers (17/20, 85% to 18/19, 95%) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (14/20, 70% to 15/19, 79%) but a drop in the prescription of spironolactone (16/20, 80% to 15/20, 75%). Neprilysin and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors were introduced in 4 and 1 patient, respectively. Missing record data precluded a more precise analysis. The feasibility assessment was positive, favoring the asynchronous modality. Potential modifications include more effective patient and professional recruitment strategies and educational activities to raise awareness of collaborative support in primary care.

CONCLUSIONS

Telehealth was feasible to implement. Considering the stakeholders' views and insights on the process is paramount to attaining engagement. Missing data must be anticipated for future research in this setting. Considering the recommended adaptations, the intervention can be studied in a cluster-randomized trial.

Predicting Quality of Life of Patients in Romania with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction by Analyzing H2FPEF Scores

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to find a way to predict the quality-of-life factors for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction based on their H2FPEF scores. Methods: We performed a prospective observational analysis of 142 hospitalized patients diagnosed with HFPEF who were followed for 12 months after discharge. We calculated the H2FPEF score for each patient during hospitalization. The follow-up after discharge aimed to monitor limitations of usual physical activity, recently experienced fatigue, the presence of leg edemas, the ability to exercise regularly, and sadness. We thus obtained data about these patients' quality of life, their physical and mental limitations, their number of readmissions, and the percentage of mortality. We used logistic regression models to estimate the relationship between the H2FPEF score and each variable, providing probabilities for each sign or symptom of the disease mentioned by the patients. Results: All the observed variables showed statistical significance. Marked limitations of physical activity showed the strongest relationship with the H2FPEF score, followed by edema and regular exercise. Conclusions: Our research shows a method with which to predict the quality-of-life (QoL) factors in patients with HFPEF based on their H2FPEF scores. We can predict which patients are at high risk and require more medical resources by quickly calculating their H2FPEF scores.

Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors Among Cardiovascular Disease Patients at a Teaching Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become a widely recognized outcome measure to assess the impact of illnesses or effectiveness of treatments. This study was carried out to investigate HRQoL and associated factors among cardiovascular disease patients. Method: This is a cross-sectional study and was carried out from July 01 to August 30, 2021. The patients were recruited using systematic random sampling technique and data was collected using EQ-5D five-level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires and EQ visual analog scale (EQ VAS). Utility index values were calculated using disutility weights set in Ethiopian context. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to compare the median index values and EQ VAS scores across subgroups. Tobit regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with HRQoL. Results: Performing usual activities (76.8%) and pain/discomfort (74.9%) were the first and the second dimensions of most frequently reported health problems, respectively. The overall median (interquartile range) EQ-5D-5L index value and VAS score were 0.82 (0.65-0.92) and 70.0 (60.0-80.0), respectively. Older age, multiple CVD diagnoses, and adherence problems to medications were found to be negatively associated with HRQoL. Conclusion: In conclusion, performing usual activities and pain/discomfort were the dimensions with the most frequently reported problems. This finding dictates the importance of giving special attention to these dimensions in managing CVD patients. Besides, older age, multiple CVDs, and nonadherence to medications were negatively associated with HRQoL. Thus, acting in consideration of these factors in patient management may have positive implications in improving their HRQoL.

Examining health-related quality of life in ambulatory adult patients with chronic heart failure: insights from Malaysia using EQ-5D-5L

PURPOSE

Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) data for the chronic heart failure (HF) population in Malaysia are lacking. Using EQ-5D-5L, this study intended to describe their HRQoL, identify predictors of worse HRQoL, and derive EQ-5D-5L index scores for use in economic evaluations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and September 2023 to collect EQ-5D-5L, sociodemographic, and clinical data from outpatients with HF across seven public specialist hospitals in Malaysia. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to identify independent predictors of reported problems in the EQ-5D-5L dimensions, and predictors of index scores and EQ-VAS, respectively.

RESULTS

EQ-5D-5L data from 424 outpatients of multi-ethnic background (mean age: 57.1 years, 23.8% female, mean left ventricular ejection fraction: 35.7%, 89.7% NYHA class I-II) were collected using either Malay, English, or Chinese, achieving a 99.8% completion rate. Nearly half of the respondents reported issues in the Mobility, Usual Activities, and Pain/Discomfort dimensions. Mean EQ-5D-5L index was 0.820, lower than the general population, and significantly lower with NYHA class III-IV (0.747) versus NYHA class I (0.846) and NYHA class II (0.805). Besides NYHA class, independent predictors of worse HRQoL included Indian ethnicity, living alone, lower education, unemployment due to ill-health, and proxy-reported HRQoL, largely aligning with existing literature.

CONCLUSION

Community-dwelling Malaysians with HF reported poorer HRQoL compared to the general population. The observed disparities in HRQoL among HF patients may be linked to specific patient characteristics, suggesting potential areas for targeted interventions. HRQoL assessment using EQ-5D-5L proves feasible and should be considered for routine implementation in local clinics.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric validation of the Malay version of the Assessment of Quality of Life-6 Dimensions (Malay-AQoL-6D) instrument among Malaysians living with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-6D into Malay (Malay-AQoL-6D), and assesses the instrument's acceptability, reliability, and validity among Malaysians living with chronic heart failure (HF).

METHODS

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process adhered to international guidelines. The Malay-AQoL-6D underwent content and face validity assessments via expert review, and pretesting among healthy individuals and patients with chronic conditions. Subsequent psychometric validation utilised clinico-sociodemographic data and paired AQoL-6D and EQ-5D-5L data from a health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) survey involving Malay-speaking patients with HF, which encompassed assessments of Malay-AQoL-6D acceptability, internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as its construct, concurrent, convergent and divergent, and known-group validity.

RESULTS

The Malay-AQoL-6D was deemed acceptable among clinicians and local patients, achieving a 90.8% completion rate among 314 patients surveyed. The instrument demonstrated strong content validity (item-level content validity index [CVI]: 0.83-1.00, average CVI: 0.98), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.72-0.89; MacDonald's omega: 0.82-0.90, excluding the Senses dimension), and test-retest reliability (average intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.79-0.95). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the instrument's two-level, six-factor structure (Satorra-Bentler [SB]-scaled χ2(df: 164): 283.67, p-value < 0.001; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]: 0.051; comparative fix index [CFI]: 0.945, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI]: 0.937; standardised root mean-squared error [SRMR]: 0.058). The Malay-AQoL-6D's concurrent validity was evident through its good agreement with EQ-5D-5L. Multiple hypothesis tests further affirmed its construct and known-group validity. The Malay-AQoL-6D's psychometric properties remained consistent across different missing data techniques.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that Malay-AQoL-6D could be a culturally acceptable, reliable, and valid HRQoL measure for quantifying HRQoL among the local HF population. Future studies are necessary to further validate the instrument against other measures and confirm the instrument's test-retest reliability and responsiveness, which are possible with the availability of the Malay-AQoL-6D.

Physical Symptoms, Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure: Cluster Analysis

BACKGROUND

Physical and psychological symptoms are prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) and are associated with poor quality of life (QOL) and high hospitalization rates. Thus, it is critical to identify symptom clusters to better manage patients with high-risk symptom cluster(s) and to reduce adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to identify clusters of physical HF symptoms (ie, dyspnea during daytime, dyspnea when lying down, fatigue, chest pain, edema, sleeping difficulty, and dizziness) and depressive symptoms and to examine their association with QOL in patients with HF.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study, data on physical HF symptoms (Symptom Status Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and general QOL (European Quality of Scale-Visual Analog Scale) were collected. We identified clusters based on the physical HF symptoms and depressive symptoms using 2-step and k -means cluster analysis methods.

RESULTS

Chest pain was removed from the model because of the low importance value. Two clusters were revealed (cluster 1, severe symptom cluster, vs cluster 2, less severe symptom cluster) based on the 7 symptoms. In cluster 1, all of the 7 symptoms were more severe, and QOL was poorer than those in cluster 2 (all P s < .001). All the mean and median scores of the 7 symptoms in cluster 1 were higher than those in cluster 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HF were clearly divided into 2 clusters based on physical HF symptoms and depressive symptoms, which were associated with QOL. Clinicians should assess these symptoms to improve patient outcomes.

Internal structure validity and internal consistency reliability of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is one of the most used tools to measure health-related quality of life in heart failure. Despite extensive use in research, evidence on the MLHFQ's internal structure validity remains heterogeneous and inconclusive. There are no known reviews that systematically summarise the evidence related to the MLHFQ's factor structure (internal structure validity). This gap highlights a need to critically appraise, summarise and compare the available evidence on the internal structure and internal consistency reliability (ICR) of the MLHFQ.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The review will adhere to the reporting guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We will systematically search eleven electronic databases/search engines (Medline, EMBASE, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Global Health, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, Scopus, Journals, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Dissertation and Theses Global) for quantitative studies assessing the MLHFQ's factor structure and ICR. Two reviewers will then independently screen studies for eligibility and assess the quality of included studies using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments checklist. Throughout the review, discrepancies will be resolved through consensus or by the involvement of the third reviewer. We will analyse and present results using descriptive statistics (frequencies, proportions and ranges) and narrative synthesis. We will include all the relevant studies published within the timeframe covered by the database. We carried out the preliminary search in November 2022 except for Dissertation and Theses Global which was searched in September 2023; however, we will update the entire search right before the review completion in January 2024.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required as no primary data is being collected from individuals. We intend to share the findings of the review at international conferences and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023346919.

Cost-utility analysis of valsartan, enalapril, and candesartan in patients with heart failure in Iran

BACKGROUND

Today, heart failure is one of the leading causes of death and disability in most developed and developing countries. By 2030, more than 23.3 million people are projected to die of cardiovascular diseases each year, and the prevalence of heart failure is expected to increase by 25%. One of the preventive interventions is pharmacological interventions which can be used to reduce the complications of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure. One of the most important pharmacological interventions in patients with heart failure is the use of antihypertensive drugs such as candesartan, enalapril, and valsartan. This study aimed to compare the cost-utility of candesartan, enalapril, and valsartan in patients with heart failure using the Markov model in Iran in 2020.

METHODS

In the present study, a four-state Markov model was designed to compare the cost-utility of candesartan, enalapril, and valsartan for a hypothetical cohort of 10,000 heart failure patients older than 24 years. The payers' perspective was used to calculate the costs. The Markov states included outpatients with heart failure, patients with heart failure admitted to general hospital wards, patients with heart failure admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs), and death. The effectiveness measure in this study was the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to determine the robustness of the results. The TreeAge Pro 2011 software was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that the average expected costs and QALYs were 119645.45 USD and 16.15 for valsartan, 113,019.68 USD and 15.16 for enalapril, and 113,093.37 USD and 15.06 for candesartan, respectively. Candesartan was recognized as the dominated option. Because the calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) value (6,692.69 USD) was less than the threshold value (7,256 USD), valsartan was cost-effective compared to enalapril. The results of the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed that at the threshold of 7,256 USD, valsartan had a 60% chance of being cost-effective compared to enalapril. The results of one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. Moreover, the results showed that ICU (1,112 USD) had the highest cost among cost items.

CONCLUSION

According to the results, it is recommended that health policymakers consider the use of valsartan by cardiologists when designing clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients with heart failure.

Improving heart failure care with an Experience-Based Co-Design approach: what matters to persons with heart failure and their family members?

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a chronic heart condition. Persons with heart failure often have limited physical capability, cognitive impairments, and low health literacy. These challenges can be barriers to healthcare service co-design with family members and professionals. Experience-Based Co-Design is a participatory healthcare quality improvement approach drawing on patients', family members' and professionals' experiences to improve healthcare. The overall aim of this study was to use Experience-Based Co-Design to identify experiences of heart failure and its care in a Swedish cardiac care setting, and to understand how these experiences can translate into heart failure care improvements for persons with heart failure and their families.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 17 persons with heart failure and four family members participated in this single case study as a part of an improvement initiative within cardiac care. In line with Experienced-Based Co-Design methodology, field notes from observations of healthcare consultations, individual interviews and meeting minutes from stakeholders' feedback events, were used to gather participants' experiences of heart failure and its care. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes from data.

RESULTS

Twelve service touchpoints, organized within five overarching themes emerged. The themes told a story about persons with heart failure and family members struggling in everyday life due to a poor quality of life, lack of support networks, and difficulties understanding and applying information about heart failure and its care. To be recognized by professionals was reported to be a key to good quality care. Opportunities to be involved in healthcare varied, Further, participants' experiences translated into proposed changes to heart failure care such as improved information about heart failure, continuity of care, improved relations, and communication, and being invited to be involved in healthcare.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study findings offer knowledge about experiences of life with heart failure and its care, translated into heart failure service touchpoints. Further research is warranted to explore how these touchpoints can be addressed to improve life and care for persons with heart failure and other chronic conditions.

Sexual Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Patients: The Mediating Role of Anxiety

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the most important problems for public health. Research indicates that elderly patients consider sexual satisfaction as a fundamental aspect of their quality of life and a better sexual function is related to higher general wellbeing.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to investigate the mediating role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between quality of life and sexual satisfaction in cardiovascular (CVD) patients.

METHODS

The sample comprised 128 adult patients, males and females, hospitalized in a Cardiology Rehabilitation clinical center. To collect data, the following were used: a demographic information sheet, the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) to evaluate cardiac function, cardiovascular diagnosis type, the HADS scale to evaluate anxiety and depression states, a test for sexual satisfaction evaluation (SAS) and the SF-36 survey to measure quality of life.

RESULTS

The results indicated that only SF-36 physical health is indirectly related to SAS through its relationship with anxiety.

CONCLUSION

A mediating model was proposed to explore the underlying association between sexual satisfaction and quality of life. We recommend investigating perceived general health and sexuality as clinical indicators for therapeutic decisions and risk evaluation for the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Heart failure and depression: A perspective from bibliometric analysis

Background

Depression commonly occurs in heart failure patients, and negatively influences quality of life and disease prognosis. This study explored heart failure and depression-related research from a bibliometric perspective.

Methods

Relevant publications were searched on June 24, 2022. The Bibliometrix package in R was used to conduct quantitative analyses including the trends in publications, and related countries, articles, authors and keywords. VOSviewer software was used to conduct the visualization map on co-word, co-author, and institution co-authorship analyses. CiteSpace software was used to illustrate the top keywords with citation burst.

Results

A total of 8,221 publications in the heart failure and depression-related research field were published between 1983 and 2022. In this field, the United States had the most publications (N = 3,013; 36.65%) and highest total citation (N = 149, 376), followed by China, Germany, Italy and Japan. Author Moser and Duke University were the most productive author and institution, respectively. Circulation is the most influential journal. Apart from "heart failure" and "depression," "quality of life," "mortality" and "myocardial infarction" were the most frequently used keywords in this research area; whereas more recently, "self care" and "anxiety" have been used more frequently.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis showed a rapid growth of research related to heart failure and depression from 1989 to 2021, which was mostly led by North America and Europe. Future directions in this research area include issues concerning self-care and anxiety about heart failure. As most of the existing literature were published in English, publications in other languages should be examined in the future.

Predictive Model for Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Although many studies have been conducted to examine predictors of quality of life (QoL), little information exists on the real-world application of Rector's conceptual model for QoL related to heart failure (HF).

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to examine a hypothetical model of QoL based on Rector's conceptual model for QoL in relation to HF and the existing literature on patients with HF.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional survey, 165 patients with HF were recruited from an outpatient clinic in Korea. Data were collected based on Rector's model constructs, such as cardiac function, symptoms, functional limitation, depression, distress, and QoL. Left ventricular ejection fraction for cardiac function was measured using echocardiography.

RESULTS

Functional limitation, depression, and distress, but not symptoms, had a direct effect on QoL (all Ps < .001). Cardiac function and symptoms directly affected functional limitation (β = 0.186, P = .004, and β = -0.488, P = < .001, respectively), whereas cardiac function, symptoms, and depression affected QoL through functional limitation and distress.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that the Rector's model is suitable for predicting QoL in patients with HF. These findings have potential to guide and inform intervention programs designed to alleviate symptoms in patients with HF, enhance their physical functioning, and moderate their psychological distress with the ultimate goal of improving their QoL.

Quality of life of cardiac outpatients with and without psychiatric disorders: a cross-sectional study

Background

The study aims to measure the quality of life (QOL) for cardiac outpatients with psychiatric disorders (CPP) in comparison to cardiac outpatients without psychiatric disorders (CPOP). A semi-structured interview was performed for consecutive cardiac outpatients. Psychiatric diagnoses were confirmed using the mini-international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI). The QOL was measured by the World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF).

Results

Out of the 343 enrolled patients, 93 (27.1%) patients were found to have psychiatric disorders. The WHO-BREF score of QOL was 4.25 ± 0.85. The CPP were found to have statistically significant lower scores in QOL than CPOP in all the WHOQOL-BREF domains. Particularly, the domain of psychological health showed the highest difference between the two groups (76.9 vs. 87.8, P < 0.001), whereas the environment domain showed the lowest difference between them (80.2 vs. 87.9, P < 0.001). Within each QOL domain, patients with congestive heart failure and psychiatric disorders showed the lowest QOL in both the physical domain (51.4 vs. 71.3, P < 0.02) and the social domain (64.7 vs. 81.9, P < 0.05), while patients with vulvular heart disease and psychiatric disorders showed the lowest QOL in the psychological domain (74.6 vs. 85.7, P < 0.001) and patients with arrhythmias and psychiatric disorders in the environment domain (80 vs. 86.2, P < 0.02).

Conclusions

The QOL of CPP were found to have poorer QOL than CPOP. The magnitude of difference in QOL was the highest in the psychological health domain and the lowest in the environment domain.

Primary Disease, Sex, and Racial Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents and Young Adults with Heart Failure

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important clinical and research trial endpoint in adult heart failure and has been shown to predict mortality and hospitalizations in adult heart failure populations. HRQOL has not been adequately studied in the growing pediatric and young adult heart failure population. This study described HRQOL in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with heart failure and examined primary disease, sex, race, and other correlates of HRQOL in this sample. Participants in this cross-sectional, single-center study included adolescent and young adults with heart failure and a parent/guardian. Patients and their parent/proxies completed the PedsQL, a well-established measure of HRQOL in pediatric chronic illness populations. HRQOL is impaired in AYAs with heart failure resulting from dilated, hypertrophic, or other cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, or post-transplant with rejection/complications. Patients identifying as white endorsed poorer total HRQOL than non-white patients (p = 0.002). Subscale analysis revealed significant correlations between female sex (p = 0.01) and white race (p = 0.01) with poorer self-reported physical functioning. Family income was unrelated to HRQOL. Functional status was strongly associated with total (p = 0.0003) and physical HRQOL (p < 0.0001). Sociodemographic and disease-specific risk and resilience factors specific to HRQOL in AYAs with heart failure include primary cardiac disease, race, sex, and functional status. Building upon extensive work in adult heart failure, utilization, and study of HRQOL as a clinical and research trial outcome is necessary in pediatric heart failure. Developing targeted interventions for those at greatest risk of impaired HRQOL is an important next step.

Testing of a health-related quality of life model in patients with heart failure: A cross-sectional, correlational study

Psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, and behavioral factors can affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through different pathways, but the relationships have not been fully tested in prior theoretical models. The purpose of this study was to examine direct and indirect relationships of demographic (age), biological/physiological (comorbidity), psychological (depressive symptoms), social (social support), physical (physical symptoms and functional status), and behavioral (dietary sodium adherence) factors to HRQOL. Data from 358 patients with heart failure were analyzed using structural equation modeling. There was a good model fit: Chi-square = 5.488, p = .241, RMSEA = .032, CFI = .998, TLI = .985, and SRMR = .018. Psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, and demographic factors were directly and indirectly associated, while behavioral and biological/physiological factors were indirectly associated with HRQOL through different pathways. Behavioral factors need to be included, and psychological factors and physical factors need to be separated in theoretical models of HRQOL.

Health-related outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Patients with critical illness may face challenges after hospital discharge; therapeutic outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are typically measured by survival rate. However, ECMO is an integral part of treatment in critical care medicine, which requires an outcome measure beyond survival. Post-discharge health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is such an indicator.

OBJECTIVES

To measure HRQoL in adult patients who had previously undergone ECMO and explore influential factors related to HRQoL.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study used a convenience sample of patients discharged between April 2006-April 2016 after at least one month following ECMO. The study was conducted from October 2015 to October 2016, which included data collected from structured questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised and Short-Form Survey-36-v2. Stepwise linear regression determined predictor variables of physical and mental HRQoL.

RESULTS

Age of participants (N = 144) ranged from 24 to 81 years; long-term survival rate was 28.6% after a median follow-up of 1060 days (range = 44-3150 days). Mean scores for physical and mental components of HRQoL were 46.32 and 50.39, respectively. Level of HRQoL was low to moderate. Employment affected all physical components of HRQoL; depression was the main predictor for physical and mental components. Self-perceived health status and anxiety were also factors that influenced HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Variables of employment, self-perceived health status and mental health influenced HRQoL. Early assessment of these factors by healthcare professionals can allow integration of multidimensional interventions following hospital discharge, which could improve HRQoL for patients weaned from ECMO.

Temporal Trends and Factors Associated With the Inclusion of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Heart Failure Randomized Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are important measures of treatment response in heart failure. We assessed temporal trends in and factors associated with inclusion of PROs in heart failure randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods and Results

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published between January 2000 and July 2020 in journals with an impact factor ≥10. We assessed temporal trends using the Jonckheere‐Terpstra test and conducted multivariable logistic regression to explore trial characteristics associated with PRO inclusion. We assessed the quality of PRO reporting using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) PRO extension. Of 417 RCTs included, PROs were reported in 226 (54.2%; 95% CI, 49.3%–59.1%), with increased reporting between 2000 and 2020 (P<0.001). The odds of PRO inclusion were greater in RCTs that were published in recent years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per year, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04–1.12; P<0.001), multicenter (aOR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.03–3.46; P=0.040), medium‐sized (aOR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.26–4.40; P=0.008), coordinated in Central and South America (aOR, 5.93; 95% CI, 1.14–30.97; P=0.035), and tested health service (aOR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.49–6.55; P=0.003), device/surgical (aOR, 6.66; 95% CI, 3.15–14.05; P<0.001), or exercise (aOR, 4.66; 95% CI, 1.81–12.00; P=0.001) interventions. RCTs reported a median of 4 (interquartile interval , 3–6) of a possible of 11 CONSORT PRO items.

Conclusions

Just over half of all heart failure RCTs published in high impact factor journals between 2000 and 2020 included PROs, with increased inclusion of PROs over time. Trials that were large, tested pharmaceutical interventions, and coordinated in North America / Europe had lower adjusted odds of reporting PROs relative to other trials. The quality of PRO reporting was modest.

Prediction of Heart Failure Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life at 12 Months From Baseline Modifiable Factors in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

In patients with heart failure (HF), good health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is as valuable as, or more valuable than, longer survival. However, HRQOL is remarkably poor, and HF symptoms are strongly associated with poor HRQOL. Yet, the multidimensional, modifiable predictors have been rarely examined.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the baseline psychosocial, behavioral, and physical predictors of HF symptoms and HRQOL at 12 months and the mediator effect of HF symptoms in the relationship between depressive symptoms and HRQOL.

METHODS

We collected data from 94 patients with HF (mean ± SD age, 58 ± 14 years). Data included sample characteristics, depressive symptoms, perceived control, social support, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, medication adherence, sodium intake, self-care management, and HF symptoms at baseline, as well as HF symptoms and HRQOL at 12 months. Multiple regression analyses were performed to address the purpose.

RESULTS

Baseline depressive symptoms (P < .001), medication adherence (P = .010), sodium intake (P = .032), and NYHA functional class (P = .040) significantly predicted 12-month HF symptoms, controlling for covariates (F = 7.363, R = 47%, P < .001). Baseline medication adherence (P = .001), NYHA functional class (P < .001), and HF symptoms (P = .013) significantly predicted 12-month HRQOL (F = 10.701, R = 59%, P < .001). Baseline HF symptoms fully mediated the relationship between baseline depressive symptoms and 12-month HRQOL.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of HF and HRQOL could be improved by targeting multidimensional, modifiable predictors, such as self-care, depressive symptoms, and NYHA functional class.

Changes in Physical Performance and Their Association With Health-Related Quality of Life in a Mixed Nonischemic Cardiac Population That Participates in Rehabilitation

PURPOSE

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves physical performance and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, whether improvements in physical performance are associated with changes in HRQoL has not been adequately investigated in a nonischemic cardiac population.

METHODS

Patients who were ablated for atrial fibrillation, who underwent heart valve surgery or who were treated for infective endocarditis, and who participated in 1 of 3 randomized controlled rehabilitation trials were eligible for the current study. Change in physical performance and HRQoL were measured before and after a 12-wk exercise intervention. Physical performance was assessed using a cardiopulmonary exercise test, a 6-min walk test, and a sit-to-stand test. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the generic 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and the disease-specific HeartQoL questionnaire. Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) and linear regressions quantified the association between changes in physical outcome measures and changes in HRQoL.

RESULTS

A total of 344 patients were included (mean age: 60.8 ± 11.6 yr and 77% males). Associations between changes in physical outcome measures and HRQoL ranged from very weak to weak (ρ = -0.056 to 0.228). The observed associations were more dominant within physical dimensions of the HRQoL compared with mental or emotional dimensions. After adjusting for sex, age, and diagnosis, changes in physical performance explained no more than 20% of the variation in the HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

The findings show that the positive improvement in HRQoL from exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation cannot simply be explained by an improvement in physical performance.

Proof-of-concept trial results of the HeartMan mobile personal health system for self-management in congestive heart failure

This study tested the effectiveness of HeartMan-a mobile personal health system offering decisional support for management of congestive heart failure (CHF)-on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), self-management, exercise capacity, illness perception, mental and sexual health. A randomized controlled proof-of-concept trial (1:2 ratio of control:intervention) was set up with ambulatory CHF patients in stable condition in Belgium and Italy. Data were collected by means of a 6-min walking test and a number of standardized questionnaire instruments. A total of 56 (34 intervention and 22 control group) participants completed the study (77% male; mean age 63 years, sd 10.5). All depression and anxiety dimensions decreased in the intervention group (p < 0.001), while the need for sexual counselling decreased in the control group (p < 0.05). Although the group differences were not significant, self-care increased (p < 0.05), and sexual problems decreased (p < 0.05) in the intervention group only. No significant intervention effects were observed for HRQoL, self-care confidence, illness perception and exercise capacity. Overall, results of this proof-of-concept trial suggest that the HeartMan personal health system significantly improved mental and sexual health and self-care behaviour in CHF patients. These observations were in contrast to the lack of intervention effects on HRQoL, illness perception and exercise capacity.

A Personal Health System for Self-Management of Congestive Heart Failure (HeartMan): Development, Technical Evaluation, and Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a disease that requires complex management involving multiple medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes. It mainly affects older patients with depression and anxiety, who commonly find management difficult. Existing mobile apps supporting the self-management of CHF have limited features and are inadequately validated.

OBJECTIVE

The HeartMan project aims to develop a personal health system that would comprehensively address CHF self-management by using sensing devices and artificial intelligence methods. This paper presents the design of the system and reports on the accuracy of its patient-monitoring methods, overall effectiveness, and patient perceptions.

METHODS

A mobile app was developed as the core of the HeartMan system, and the app was connected to a custom wristband and cloud services. The system features machine learning methods for patient monitoring: continuous blood pressure (BP) estimation, physical activity monitoring, and psychological profile recognition. These methods feed a decision support system that provides recommendations on physical health and psychological support. The system was designed using a human-centered methodology involving the patients throughout development. It was evaluated in a proof-of-concept trial with 56 patients.

RESULTS

Fairly high accuracy of the patient-monitoring methods was observed. The mean absolute error of BP estimation was 9.0 mm Hg for systolic BP and 7.0 mm Hg for diastolic BP. The accuracy of psychological profile detection was 88.6%. The F-measure for physical activity recognition was 71%. The proof-of-concept clinical trial in 56 patients showed that the HeartMan system significantly improved self-care behavior (P=.02), whereas depression and anxiety rates were significantly reduced (P<.001), as were perceived sexual problems (P=.01). According to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire, a positive attitude toward HeartMan was seen among end users, resulting in increased awareness, self-monitoring, and empowerment.

CONCLUSIONS

The HeartMan project combined a range of advanced technologies with human-centered design to develop a complex system that was shown to help patients with CHF. More psychological than physical benefits were observed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03497871; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/history/NCT03497871.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s12872-018-0921-2.

Improved readability and functions needed for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure: An app store review

To maintain their quality of life and avoid hospitalization and early mortality, patients with heart failure must recognize and respond to symptoms of exacerbation. A promising method for engaging patients in their self-care is through mobile health applications (mHealth apps). However, for mHealth to have its greatest chance for improving patient outcomes, the app content must be readable, provide useful functions and be based in evidence. The study aimed to determine: (1) readability, (2) types of functions, and (3) linkage to authoritative sources of evidence for self-care focused mHealth apps targeting heart failure patients that are available in the Apple and Google Play Stores. We systematically searched for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure in the Apple and Google Play Stores and applied selection criteria. Readability of randomly selected informational paragraphs were determined using Flesch-Kincaid grade level test tool in Microsoft Word. Ten mHealth apps met our criteria. Only one had a reading grade level at or below the recommended 6th grade reading level (average 9.35). The most common functions were tracking, clinical data feedback, and non-data-based reminders and alerts. Only three had statements that clearly linked the mHealth app content to trustworthy, evidence-based sources. Only two had interoperability with the electronic health record and only one had a communication feature with clinicians. Future mHealth designs that are tailored to patients' literacy level and have advanced functions may hold greater potential for improving patient outcomes.

Relación entre la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado y la calidad de vida en personas con insuficiencia cardiaca

Introducción. La persona con insuficiencia cardiaca enfrenta cambios biopsicosociales que deterioran su calidad de vida. Es necesario conocer la relación existente entre el autocuidado y la calidad de vida, lo que puede orientar al profesional de enfermería en el diseño de intervenciones efectivas. Objetivo. Determinar la relación existente entre la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en las personas con insuficiencia cardiaca, que son atendidas en el programa multidisciplinario de insuficiencia cardiaca en una institución de salud de cuarto nivel en Bogotá, Colombia. Método. Estudio descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal, realizado entre mayo y agosto de 2018; utilizando los instrumentos Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale y el Cuestionario de Cardiomiopatía de Kansas City; la muestra correspondió a 107 pacientes, mayores de edad, con insuficiencia cardiaca estadio C y D. Resultados. La capacidad de agencia de autocuidado se encontró en categorías alta con 63.55% y muy alta con 34.57%; la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud se encontró preservada, con un puntaje general de 73.33; la relación existente entre las dos variables, según el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, fue 0.316 con un valor p = 0.002, relación débil pero significativa. Conclusiones. Existe una relación entre las variables de interés, que se reafirma con las correlaciones significativas identificadas entre las dimensiones que las conforman. Estos hallazgos resaltan la pertinencia de abordar, en las intervenciones, temáticas que fortalezcan la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado, contribuyendo a mejorar la calidad de vida de estas personas.

Impact of non-cardiovascular comorbidities on the quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of non-cardiovascular comorbidities on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS

A scoping review of the scientific literature published between 2009 and 2019 was carried out. Observational studies which assessed the HRQoL of patients with CHF using validated questionnaires and its association with non-cardiovascular comorbidities were included.

RESULTS

The search identified 1904 studies, of which 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria to be included for analysis. HRQoL was measured through specific, generic, or both types of questionnaires in 72.2%, 16.7%, and 11.1% of the studies, respectively. The most common comorbidities studied were diabetes mellitus (12 studies), mental and behavioral disorders (8 studies), anemia and/or iron deficiency (7 studies), and respiratory diseases (6 studies). Across studies, 93 possible associations between non-cardiovascular comorbidities and HRQoL were tested, of which 21.5% regarded anemia or iron deficiency, 20.4% mental and behavioral disorders, 20.4% diabetes mellitus, and 14.0% respiratory diseases. Despite the large heterogeneity across studies, all 21 showed that the presence of a non-cardiovascular comorbidity had a negative impact on the HRQoL of patients with CHF. A statistically significant impact on worse HRQoL was found in 84.2% of associations between mental and behavioral disorders and HRQoL (patients with depression had up to 200% worse HRQoL than patients without depression); 73.7% of associations between diabetes mellitus and HRQoL (patients with diabetes mellitus had up to 21.8% worse HRQoL than patients without diabetes mellitus); 75% of associations between anemia and/or iron deficiency and HRQoL (patients with anemia and/or iron deficiency had up to 25.6% worse HRQoL than between patients without anemia and/or iron deficiency); and 61.5% of associations between respiratory diseases and HRQoL (patients with a respiratory disease had up to 21.3% worse HRQoL than patients without a respiratory disease).

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive management of patients with CHF should include the management of comorbidities which have been associated with a worse HRQoL, with special emphasis on anemia and iron deficiency, mental and behavioral disorders, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory diseases. An adequate control of these comorbidities may have a positive impact on the HRQoL of patients.

Age, Sex, and Remote Monitoring Differences in Device Acceptance for Patients With Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillators in Canada

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) acceptance and shock anxiety are issues that clinicians should address to improve quality of life among device recipients. Previous findings have indicated that younger patients experience poorer device adjustment. The purpose of this study was to examine age and ICD-specific quality-of-life outcomes in a large sample of Canadian ICD patients. We tested the hypothesis that patient age is related to device acceptance and shock anxiety in an Alberta (Canada) ICD population.

Methods

The Florida Patient Acceptance Survey (FPAS) and Florida Shock Acceptance Survey (FSAS) were completed by ICD patients attending the Cardiac Implantable Electrical Device Clinics in Alberta. The population was dichotomized into those aged ≤ 65 years (younger) and those aged > 65 years (older). Sex, ICD shock history, and remote monitoring use were also examined.

Results

Surveys were completed by 126 younger (53 ± 11 years; 79% male) and 216 older (74 ± 6 years; 85% male) patients. Younger, compared with older, patients had greater device-related distress (P < 0.001) and more body-image concerns (P < 0.001), but no differences in return to function or positive appraisal. Younger patients reported lower total device acceptance (P = 0.001) and greater total shock anxiety (P < 0.001) compared with older patients.

Conclusions

ICD patients aged ≤ 65 years reported poorer device acceptance and greater shock anxiety than older patients. Younger patients may require targeted interventions addressing adjustment to the ICD, and impact of the ICD on body image. Moreover, education about the relatively low probability of shocks may alleviate shock anxiety in younger patients.

Comorbid Conditions and Health-Related Quality of Life in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients: REVIVAL (Registry Evaluation of Vital Information for VADs in Ambulatory Life REVIVAL)

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart failure (HF) often have multiple chronic conditions that may impact health-related quality of life (HRQOL) despite HF therapy. We sought to determine the association between noncardiac comorbidities and HRQOL in ambulatory patients with advanced HF.

METHODS

Baseline data from 373 subjects in REVIVAL (Registry Evaluation of Vital Information for Ventricular Assist Devices in Ambulatory Life) were analyzed using multivariable general linear models to evaluate the relationship between comorbidities and HRQOL (EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale, EQ-5D-3L Index Score, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire). The primary independent variables were a comorbidity index (sum of 14 noncardiac conditions), a residual comorbidity index (without depression), and depression alone. The median (25th to 75th percentile) number of comorbidities was 3 (2-4).

RESULTS

Increasing comorbidity burden was associated with a reduction in generic (EQ-5D Index, P=0.005) and HF-specific (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, P=0.001) HRQOL. The residual comorbidity index was not associated with HRQOL when depression included in the model independently, while depression was associated with HRQOL across all measures. Participants with depression (versus without) scored on average 13 points (95% CI, 8-17) lower on the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale, 0.15 points (95% CI, 0.12-0.18) lower on the EQ-5D Index, and 24.9 points (95% CI, 21.2-28.5) lower on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score.

CONCLUSIONS

While noncardiac comorbidities were prevalent in ambulatory advanced HF patients, only depression was associated with decreased generic and HF-specific HRQOL. Other than depression, the presence of noncardiac comorbidities should not impact expected gains in HRQOL following ventricular assist device implantation, provided the conditions are not a contraindication to implant. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01369407.

Association of patient-reported outcomes and heart rate trends in heart failure: a report from the Chiron project

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have been previously considered "soft" end-points because of the lack of association of the reported outcome to measurable biological parameters. The present study aimed to assess whether electrocardiographic measures are associated to PROs changes. We evaluated the association between heart rate (HR), QRS and QT/QTc durations and PROs, classified as "good" or "bad" according to the patients' overall feeling of health, in patients from the Chiron project. Twenty-four chronic heart failure (HF) patients were enrolled in the study (71% male, mean age 62.9 ± 9.4 years, 42% ischemic etiology, 15 NYHA class II and 9 class III) providing 1086 days of usable physiological recordings (4 hours/day). The mean HR was significantly higher in the "bad" than in the "good" PROs class (74.0 ± 6.4 bpm vs 68.0 ± 7.2 bpm; p < 0.001). Conversely, the ratio between movement and rest activities showed significantly higher values in "good" compared to "bad" PROs. We also found significantly longer QTc and QRS durations in patients with "bad" PROs compared to patients with "good" PROs. That in patients with mild to moderate HF, higher HR, wider QRS and longer QTc, as well as a reduced HR ratio between movement and rest, were associated with "bad" PROs is clinically noteworthy because the association of worse PROs with measurable variations of biological parameters may help physicians in evaluating PROs reliability itself and in their clinical decisions. Whether a timely intervention on these biological parameters may prevent adverse outcomes is important and deserves to be investigated in further studies.

Identifying Stage D Heart Failure: Data From the Most Recent Registries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Improving outcomes with durable mechanical circulatory support have led to expanding interest in the earlier recognition of patients destined to develop refractory heart failure (HF). The recognition of advanced HF has received increasing attention.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) registry developed patient profiles of advanced HF to describe the spectrum of patients with refractory HF undergoing mechanical circulatory support. These patient profiles have been extended to advanced HF patients on medical therapy and used to align outcomes with medical and device therapy in the Medical Arm of Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (MedaMACS) registries and the ROADMAP study. Shared decision-making about treatment options for advanced HF requires individualized consideration of risks and benefits beyond survival. Future studies, including the ongoing Registry for Vital Information for VADs in Ambulatory Life (REVIVAL) study, will provide prognostic information for patients transitioning from stage C to stage D HF to help patients, caregivers, and physicians navigate the increasingly complex terrain of HF care.

Sexual Activity in Heart Failure Patients: Information Needs and Association with Health-Related Quality of Life

(1) Background: the main objective of this study was to investigate information needs concerning sexual activity and experienced sexual problems in heart failure (HF) patients and, in addition, to examine the association between these sexual problems and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); (2) Methods: in this cross-sectional study, three self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 77 stable ambulatory HF patients to acquire data on HRQoL, sexual problems, and need for counselling; (3) Results: More than half (56.7%) of HF patients experienced a marked decrease or total cessation of sexual activity due to their illness. Additionally, more than one-third perceived a marked decrease or total absence of sexual pleasure (42.5%), interest (32.9%), and constant problems or being unable to perform sexual activity (37.3%). Furthermore, 43.1% of patients experienced an important overall need for counselling concerning sexual activity, with information on relationships (69.2%), symptoms (58.5%), and relaxation (49.2%) being the most desired topics. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sexual problems were independently associated with HRQoL, with more sexual problems (t = 3.19, p < 0.01) being related to poor HRQoL; (4) Conclusion: by investigating the experienced problems and counselling needs of HF patients, an alignment between current practice and HF patients’ expectations and needs might be obtained.