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Evidence‐based treatment and quality of life in heart failure
Author(s) -
Dobre Daniela,
Van Jaarsveld Cornelia H. M.,
Ranchor Adelita V.,
Arnold Rosemarie,
De Jongste Mike J. L.,
Haaijer Ruskamp Flora M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of evaluation in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.737
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2753
pISSN - 1356-1294
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2753.2006.00564.x
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , medical prescription , vitality , psychological intervention , heart failure , physical therapy , disease , mental health , psychiatry , philosophy , nursing , theology , pharmacology
Abstract Objectives To explore whether prescription of evidence‐based drug therapy is associated with better quality of life (QoL) in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods Patients ( n = 62) were recruited in the outpatient clinic of Groningen University Hospital. Inclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of HF, age 40–80 years; ejection fraction of less than 45%, free from other serious disease (such as cancer) and psychiatric problems in the last year. QoL was assessed with the RAND 36‐item health survey questionnaire, on five scales: physical functioning, mental health, social functioning, vitality and general health perception. Medication prescribed for 1 to 6 months before the QoL assessment was classified as either evidence‐based treatment or under‐treatment, according to the 2001 European guidelines on optimal HF treatment. The study had a cross‐sectional design. Results QoL did not differ significantly between evidence‐based and under‐treated patients, unadjusted or after adjustment for significant patient imbalances. Conclusions Conventional step‐up medication approach in HF may have a positive impact on survival or morbidity, but it seems not beneficial in relation to QoL. Other interventions should be designed to improve QoL of patients with HF.