[Quality of life, depression and cognitive functions 2. Methodological aspects and data quality]

Abstract

Aim: To document the degree of reliability of validated and mainly qualitative questionnaires most often used in research settings and/or projects, in a broad network of unselected cardiological centres; to assess whether the quality of data could be compatible with their use not only as descriptive but also in prognostic scores including mainly "hard" clinical variables.

Results: Eighty-three patients were included. Compliance with the self-administration of the Kansas City Cardiomiopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was very high throughout the study (KCCQ 97.7% baseline and 85.8% at three years). As expected more difficulties were encountered with the Mini Mental State Examination (administered to 80.6% patients baseline and to 54.3% at three years). Main reasons for not administering questionnaires was ascribed to organizational and patients problems.

Conclusions: It is worth noticing that the study was conducted by nurses without economical incentives. The questionnaires were well completed with minimal missing data. If questionnaires are well presented to patients, a routine assessment of quality of life and depression could be feasible in everyday care.