Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index version 7.2.

AIMS: It is more important for patients with heart failure (HF) to objectively identify their self-care status. The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) version 7.2 is a reliable and valid instrument comprising three scales: self-care maintenance, symptom perception, and self-care management. We aimed to translate the SCHFI v.7.2 into Japanese and test its validity and reliability. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a cross-sectional study. Two translators performed forward and backward translations between English and Japanese. To assess structural validity, confirmatory factor analyses were performed using the structure of the original version. To assess convergent validity, the associations between each scale and self-care self-efficacy were evaluated. To assess internal consistency, model-based internal consistency coefficients were calculated. Participants were 314 Japanese outpatients with HF (mean age: 72.8 ± 12.8 years). Regarding structural validity, all scales showed adequate model fit indices, supporting a two-factor structure with items similar to those in the original version. However, to improve the model fit indices, it was necessary to add error correlations for the self-care maintenance and symptom perception scales. Regarding convergent validity, all scales showed significant associations with self-care self-efficacy. Regarding internal consistency, the model-based internal consistency coefficients were sufficient for all scales (0.739, 0.908, and 0.783 for the self-care maintenance, symptom perception, and self-care management scales, respectively). CONCLUSION: The Japanese version of the SCHFI v.7.2 had adequate validity and reliability. This instrument is useful for assessing self-care in Japanese HF patients. However, factors influencing self-care should be considered when interpreting results.

Changes over time in patient-reported outcomes in patients with heart failure.

AIM: This paper describes the trajectory during 1 year of four patient-reported outcomes (PROs), namely, sleep, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life (HrQoL), and well-being, in patients with heart failure (HF), their relationship and the patient characteristics associated with changes in these PROs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data analyses of PROs from 603 patients (mean age 67 years; 29% female, 60% NYHA II) enrolled in the HF-Wii study. On short term, between baseline and 3 months, 16% of the patients experienced continuing poor sleep, 11% had sustained depressive symptoms, 13% had consistent poor HrQoL, and 13% consistent poor well-being. Across the entire 1-year period only 21% of the patients had good PRO scores at all timepoints (baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months). All others had at least one low score in any of the PROs at some timepoint during the study. Over the 12 months, 17% had consistently poor sleep, 17% had sustained symptoms of depression, 15% consistently rated a poor HrQoL, and 13% poor well-being. Different patient characteristics per PRO were associated with a poor outcomes across the 12 months. Age, education, New York Heart Association, and length of disease were related to two PRO domains and submaximal exercise capacity (6 min test), co-morbidity, and poor physical activity to one. CONCLUSION: In total, 79% of the patients with HF encountered problems related to sleep, depressive symptoms, HrQoL, and well-being at least once during a 1-year period. This underscores the need for continuous monitoring and follow-up of patients with HF and the need for dynamic adjustments in treatment and care regularly throughout the HF trajectory.

Adaptación cultural del Cuestionario de autocuidado en pacientes con asistencia ventricular definitiva / Cultural adaptation and validation of the Self-care Questionnaire in patients with left ventricular assist device

Introducción: Con el fin de alcanzar una vida óptima, los pacientes con dispositivos de asistencia ventricular izquierda implantables de forma permanente se enfrentan a regímenes de tratamiento complejos; requieren adquirir conocimiento y desarrollar habilidades para orientar su cuidado. Esto hace necesario que el profesional de enfermería cuente con herramientas que permitan identificar el nivel de autocuidado como punto de partida para promover comportamientos positivos que permitan adherirse a su nuevo estilo de vida. Objetivo: Determinar la versión equivalente del cuestionario de autocuidado para pacientes con asistencia ventricular definitiva en Colombia. Material y métodos: Estudio de tipo metodológico. Se llevó a cabo en seis etapas, con el propósito de garantizar la equivalencia del instrumento adaptado por medio de traducción inicial, síntesis de las traducciones, traducción inversa, revisión por parte del comité de expertos, presentación del instrumento a los autores y prueba de la versión prefinal. Resultados: Se realizó la traducción y la retrotraducción del instrumento. El 77 % de los expertos mencionaron que todos los ítems eran comprensibles y claros, pero el 33 % refirieron que en los ítems 3,5,6,7,8,10 y 11 requerían ajustes de forma. Conclusión: Se obtuvo la adaptación transcultural del cuestionario de autocuidado en pacientes con asistencia ventricular definitiva para el medio colombiano, conservando la equivalencia experiencial, conceptual, idiomática y semántica del instrumento original. (AU)

Introduction: In order to achieve an optimal life, patients with permanent implantable left ventricular assist devices face complex treatment regimens; they require acquiring knowledge and developing skills to guide their care. This makes it necessary for the nursing professional to have tools that allow them to identify the self-care level as a starting point to promote positive behaviors that allow adherence to their new lifestyle. Objective: To determine the equivalent version of the self-care questionnaire for patients with permanent ventricular assistance in Colombia. Material and methods: Methodological study. The process was carried out in six stages to guarantee the equivalence of the adapted instrument through a first translation, synthesis of translations, reverse translation, review by the expert committee, trial of the pre-final version and presentation of the instrument to the authors. Results: Translation and back-translation of the instrument were performed. 77% of the experts mentioned that all the items were understandable and clear, but 33% reported that items 3,5,6,7,8,10 and 11 required form adjustments. Conclusions: The cross-cultural adaptation of the self-care questionnaire in patients with permanent ventricular assistance for the Colombian environment was obtained, preserving the experiential, conceptual, idiomatic and semantic equivalence of the original instrument. (AU)

Validity and reliability of the left ventricular assist device self-care behaviour scale.

BACKGROUND: Adequate self-care behaviour is essential for patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to prevent complications, prolong life, and optimise quality of life. However, there were no valid and reliable measurements available to assess self-care behaviour among patients with LVAD. We have previously developed the 33-item LVAD self-care behaviour scale. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate psychometric properties of the 33-item LVAD self-care behaviour scale. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on 127 patients with a LVAD in Israel, Japan, and the USA were analysed (mean age 51±14.3, 81% male). Exploratory factor analysis extracted three factors, and 13 items were excluded from the scale. Internal consistency assessed by Cronbach's alpha was acceptable for the total scale (α = 0.80) and the three subscales: Factor 1: Monitoring (α = 0.81), Factor 2: Heart failure self-care (α = 0.67), and Factor 3: LVAD self-care (α = 0.63). The 20-item version of the LVAD self-care behaviour scale had sufficient convergent validity with another scale that assessed self-care related to the driveline of LVAD (r = 0.47, p<0.001). Test-retest reliability was adequate (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: The 20-item version of the LVAD self-care behaviour scale showed adequate validity and reliability. The scale is ready for use in clinical practice and research. Additional testing might further optimise the scale.

Methodological quality of studies assessing validity and reliability of the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale: a systematic review using the COSMIN methodology.

AIMS: The European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale (EHFScBS) is frequently used to assess self-care behaviours in patients with heart failure. This scale has been translated into several languages. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstrument (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist for a systematic review has recently been published. The aim of the study was to assess the methodological quality of studies reporting on psychometric evaluations of the EHFScBS using the COSMIN methodology. METHODS AND RESULTS: To identify relevant studies, a systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and CINAHL databases in December 2019 and the search was updated in June 2020. The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist was used to assess the methodological quality. In total, 21 relevant studies were rated. The overall methodological quality of content validity was rated as inadequate in 17 studies and a main reason of the inadequate rating was a lack of patient involvement. Structural validity was adequately addressed in 12 studies, internal consistency in seven, and eight of 11 studies reporting on construct validity and had good methodological quality. CONCLUSION: Although the use of the EHFScBS has grown rapidly and the validity and reliability are reported to be good, the methodological quality of studies reporting on psychometric properties of the scale is not optimal. Further studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence on validity and reliability of the EHFScBS.

Trajectory of self-care behaviour in patients with heart failure: the impact on clinical outcomes and influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: Patients' self-care behaviour is still suboptimal in many heart failure (HF) patients and underlying mechanisms on how to improve self-care need to be studied. AIMS: (1) To describe the trajectory of patients' self-care behaviour over 1 year, (2) to clarify the relationship between the trajectory of self-care and clinical outcomes, and (3) to identify factors related to changes in self-care behaviour. METHODS: In this secondary analysis of the COACH-2 study, 167 HF patients (mean age 73 years) were included. Self-care behaviour was assessed at baseline and after 12 months using the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour scale. The threshold score of ⩾70 was used to define good self-care behaviour. RESULTS: Of all patients, 21% had persistent poor self-care behaviour, and 27% decreased from good to poor. Self-care improved from poor to good in 10%; 41% had a good self-care during both measurements. Patients who improved self-care had significantly higher perceived control than those with persistently good self-care at baseline. Patients who decreased their self-care had more all-cause hospitalisations (35%) and cardiovascular hospitalisations (26%) than patients with persistently good self-care (2.9%, p < 0.05). The prevalence of depression increased at 12 months in both patients having persistent poor self-care (0% to 21%) and decreasing self-care (4.4% to 22%, both p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Perceived control is a positive factor to improve self-care, and a decrease in self-care is related to worse outcomes. Interventions to reduce psychological distress combined with self-care support could have a beneficial impact on patients decreasing or persistently poor self-care behaviour.

Thirst in Patients With Heart Failure in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Japan.

BACKGROUND: Thirst is a distressing symptom and influences quality of life of patients with heart failure (HF). Knowledge about thirst in HF is insufficient; therefore, the aim of this study was to describe factors related to thirst, self-reported reasons for thirst, and interventions to relieve thirst in 3 different countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Japan. Patients were recruited at the HF clinic or during HF hospitalization. Thirst was assessed by a visual analog scale (0-100); reasons for thirst and interventions to relieve thirst were assessed by an open-ended questionnaire. Patients were divided into low and high thirst based on the first and third tertiles of the visual analog scale. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-nine patients participated in the study (age, 72 ± 12 years). Mean thirst intensity was 24 ± 24, with a mean thirst of 53 ± 15 in the highest tertile. No significant differences in thirst among the 3 countries were found. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a higher dose of loop diuretics (odds ratio, 3.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-8.06) and fluid restriction (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-4.32) were related to thirst. The most reported reasons for thirst were salty/spicy food (20%) and low fluid intake (18%). Most of the patients (56%) drank more in case of thirst; 20% only drank a little bit, probably related to a fluid restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Thirst in patients with HF was related to a higher dose of loop diuretics and fluid restriction. Healthcare providers should realize that it is important to assess thirst regularly and reconsider the need of a fluid restriction and the amount of loop diuretics in case of thirst.

Psychometric Testing of the Hebrew Version of the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of self-care behaviour is important for tailoring care to patients and evaluating the effectiveness of heart failure (HF) disease-management programmes. The European HF Self-care Behaviour (EHFScB) scale is a validated instrument used worldwide. AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Hebrew version of the nine-item EHFScB scale in Israeli patients with HF. METHOD: To develop the Hebrew version of the EHFScB scale, forward and back translation was performed. The psychometric evaluation was based on data from 102 patients with HF (mean age 61±12 yr, male 75%, New York Heart Association [NYHA] class II 42% and NYHA class III 51%) included in two cross-sectional studies performed in 2007 and 2015-2017 in an Israeli hospital. Content validity, construct validity, known-groups validity, and discriminant validity were assessed. Reliability was evaluated with internal consistency. RESULTS: Content validity and useability were confirmed by HF experts and patients with HF. Construct validity was tested using factor analysis and two factors were extracted (factor 1: consulting behaviour; factor 2: adherence to the regimen). Known-groups validity testing revealed a significant difference before and after an educational intervention in the total score (n=40 [41.6±23.8] vs [67.6±21.8]; p<0.01). A weak correlation between the self-care score and health-related quality of life (r= -0.299, p<0.01) was observed, showing that these concepts were related but not overlapping. Cronbach's alpha was 0.78 for the total scale, 0.76 for factor 1, and 0.68 for factor 2, suggesting that the internal consistency of this scale was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides support for the useability, validity, and reliability of the nine-item Hebrew version of the EHFScB scale.

Development of an Instrument for Measuring Self-Care Behaviors After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Successful long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy necessitates a high degree of self-care. We aimed to develop an instrument that measures self-care behaviors in adult patients living with an LVAD. METHODS: We used the method to develop patient-reported outcomes recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration. Prior to developing the instrument, a literature review was conducted to generate items using the middle-range theory of self-care of chronic illness as a guiding framework. A 2-round Delphi method, involving 17 clinicians with expertise in heart failure and assist devices from the Netherlands, Israel, United States, Canada, and Japan, was used to generate and select items. In the first Delphi survey, the levels of importance, relevance, and clarity of items in the instrument were evaluated. The second Delphi survey was performed to gain consensus on the final selection of items. We also examined face validity. RESULTS: A preliminary 37-item version of the Self-Care Behavior Scale was produced. The first panel judged 33 items as important and relevant, taking out 4 items due to vague wording and duplication and adding in 4 items. In the final 33-item version, 19 items address self-care maintenance behaviors, 10 items address self-care monitoring behaviors, and 4 items address self-care management behaviors. Patients (N = 25) did not have any difficulties understanding items and report any missing items. CONCLUSION: The 33-item Self-Care Behavior Scale for patients with heart failure having an LVAD has been developed and is ready for further psychometric testing.

Quality of life of family caregivers of patients with a left ventricular assist device in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The role of caregivers is important for the successful support of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. We aimed to (1) evaluate quality of life (QoL) of caregivers pre-and post-LVAD implant and (2) identify factors associated with caregivers' QoL. METHODS: The caregivers' QoL was assessed with the Short Form-8 before implant, at 3 and 6 months after LVAD implantation. The physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) scores were calculated. Caregiver burden was evaluated using the 8-item Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview. RESULTS: Data were collected from LVAD patients as bridge-to-transplant and their family caregivers in Japan. No significant changes were found in caregivers' PCS scores during the follow-up (before 52.7±7.1; at 3 months 49.7±6.5, and at 6 months 50.7±6.4, n=20). Compared with the scores before implant (38.9±9.3), the caregivers' MCS scores improved after LVAD implantation at 3 months (44.2±7.7; p=0.03) and at 6 months (46.2±7.4, p=0.003), but they were still lower than those of the Japanese general population (p<0.01). In multiple regression analysis at 3 months (n=40), caregivers' lower PCS scores were associated with older patient age [standard partial regression coefficients (sß)=-0.36, p=0.02] and caregiver unemployment (sß=0.30, p=0.04), whereas being female (sß=-0.26, p=0.03), being the patient's spouse (sß=-0.23, p=0.03), and having a mild to moderate caregiving burden (sß=-0.63, p<0.001) were associated with lower MCS scores among caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: LVAD implantation improves caregivers' mental QoL. Since caregivers' MCS scores are lower than the general population, it is important to identify family caregivers at risk for low QoL and reduce their caregiving burden.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Thirst Distress Scale for patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure can experience thirst distress. However, there is no instrument to measure this in patients with heart failure. The aim of the present study was to develop the Thirst Distress Scale for patients with Heart Failure (TDS-HF) and to evaluate psychometric properties of the scale. METHODS AND RESULTS: The TDS-HF was developed to measure thirst distress in patients with heart failure. Face and content validity was confirmed using expert panels including patients and healthcare professionals. Data on the TDS-HF was collected from patients with heart failure at outpatient heart failure clinics and hospitals in Sweden, the Netherlands and Japan. Psychometric properties were evaluated using data from 256 heart failure patients (age 72±11 years). Concurrent validity of the scale was assessed using a thirst intensity visual analogue scale. Patients did not have any difficulties answering the questions, and time taken to answer the questions was about five minutes. Factor analysis of the scale showed one factor. After psychometric testing, one item was deleted. For the eight item TDS-HF, a single factor explained 61% of the variance and Cronbach's alpha was 0.90. The eight item TDS-HF was significantly associated with the thirst intensity score ( r=0.55, p<0.001). Regarding test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.88, and the weighted kappa values ranged from 0.29-0.60. CONCLUSION: The eight-item TDS-HF is valid and reliable for measuring thirst distress in patients with heart failure.

High Dose ß-Blocker Therapy Triggers Additional Reverse Remodeling in Patients With Idiopathic Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Carvedilol has established its evidence to improve prognosis and facilitate left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and many studies have supported its dose-dependency. However, there are few studies demonstrating the effect of high dose carvedilol in Japan. We enrolled 23 patients with idiopathic non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, in whom LVEF remained 45% or less despite 20 mg/ day of carvedilol therapy for > 3 months. After high dose (40 mg/day) carvedilol therapy for > 3 months, LVEF improved (+9.1%, P = 0.002), and LV end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) and LV end-systolic diameter (LVDs) reduced (-4.6 and -6.9 mm, respectively, P < 0.05) compared with the baseline data. Finally, 17 patients achieved LVRR after the high dose, when LVRR was defined as 1) those with final EF > 45%, and 2) those with final EF < 45% but who attained increases in LVEF > 10%, or LVEF > 5% with a decrease in LV end-diastolic dimension index (LVDDI) > 5%. Baseline predictors for LVRR after high dose carvedilol were the change rates of log B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), LVDd, and LVDs from the time of pre-carvedilol introduction to enrollment (P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, high dose carvedilol triggered additional LVRR in patients with idiopathic non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and the change rates of log BNP, LVDd, and LVDs at 20 mg carvedilol may be predictors for the additional LVRR at high dose.

How effective is an in-hospital heart failure self-care program in a Japanese setting? Lessons from a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of heart failure (HF) disease management programs has been established in Western countries, to date there have been no such programs in Japan. These programs may have different effectiveness due to differences in health care organization and possible cultural differences with regard to self-care. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot HF program in a Japanese setting. METHODS: We developed an HF program focused on enhancing patient self-care before hospital discharge. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive the new HF program or usual care. The primary outcome was self-care behavior as assessed by the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale (EHFScBS). Secondary outcomes included HF knowledge and the 2-year rate of HF hospitalization and/or cardiac death. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were enrolled (mean age, 63 years; 31% female). There was no difference in the total score of the EHFScBS between the two groups. One specific behavior score regarding a low-salt diet significantly improved compared with baseline in the intervention group. HF knowledge in the intervention group tended to improve more over 6 months than in the control group (a group-by-time effect, F=2.47, P=0.098). During a 2-year follow-up, the HF program was related to better outcomes regarding HF hospitalization and/or cardiac death (14% vs 48%, log-rank test P=0.04). In Cox regression analysis after adjustment for age, sex, and logarithmic of B-type natriuretic peptide, the program was associated with a reduction in HF hospitalization and/or cardiac death (hazard ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.90; P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The HF program was likely to increase patients' HF knowledge, change their behavior regarding a low-salt diet, and reduce HF hospitalization and/or cardiac events. Further improvement focused on the transition of knowledge to self-care behavior is necessary.

Health literacy is independently associated with self-care behavior in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: Health literacy (HL) has been recognized as an important concept in patient education and disease management for heart failure (HF). However, previous studies on HL have focused predominantly on the relationships between functional HL (the ability to read and write), comprehensive HL including the ability to access information (communicative HL), and the ability to critically evaluate information (critical HL). Self-care behavior has not been evaluated. This study determined the relationship between functional, communicative, and critical HL and self-care behavior in HF patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of the data was completed for HL, HF-related knowledge, and HF-related self-care behaviors. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were also assessed. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to estimate the associations between literacy and self-care behavior. RESULTS: 249 patients with HF were assessed (mean age, 67.7±13.9years). Patients with low HL had poorer knowledge and self-care behavior than those with high HL. Critical HL was an independent determinant of self-care behavior (sß=-0.154, P=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Critical HL was independently associated with self-care behavior in HF patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Effective intervention should be developed to improve patient skills for critically analyzing information and making decisions.

Heart Failure Telemonitoring in Japan and Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Telemonitoring of heart failure (HF) patients is increasingly discussed at conferences and addressed in research. However, little is known about actual use in specific countries. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to (1) describe the use of non-invasive HF telemonitoring, (2) clarify expectations of telemonitoring among cardiologists and nurses, and (3) describe barriers to the implementation of telemonitoring in Japan and Sweden. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional survey of non-invasive HF telemonitoring. A total of 378 Japanese (120 cardiologists, 258 nurses) and 120 Swedish (39 cardiologists, 81 nurses) health care professionals from 165 Japanese and 61 Swedish hospitals/clinics nationwide participated in the study (210 in Japan and 98 in Sweden were approached). Data were collected between November 2013 and May 2014 with a questionnaire that was adapted from a previous Dutch study on telemonitoring. RESULTS: The mean age of the cardiologists and nurses was 47 years and 41 years, respectively. Experience at the current position caring for HF patients was 19 years among the physicians and 15 years among the nurses. In total, 7 Japanese (4.2%) and none of the Swedish health care institutions used telemonitoring. One fourth (24.0%, 118/498) of the health care professionals were familiar with the technology (in Japan: 21.6%, 82/378; in Sweden: 30.0%, 36/120). The highest expectations of telemonitoring (rated on a scale from 0-10) were reduced hospitalizations (8.3 in Japan and 7.5 in Sweden), increased patient self-care (7.8 and 7.4), and offering high-quality care (7.8 and 7.0). The major goal for introducing telemonitoring was to monitor physical condition and recognize signs of worsening HF in Japan (94.1%, 352/374) and Sweden (88.7%, 102/115). The following reasons were also high in Sweden: to monitor effects of treatment and adjust it remotely (86.9%, 100/115) and to do remote drug titration (79.1%, 91/115). Just under a quarter of Japanese (22.4%, 85/378) and over a third of Swedish (38.1%, 45/118) health care professionals thought that telemonitoring was a good way to follow up stable HF patients. Three domains of barriers were identified by content analysis: organizational barriers "how are we going to do it?" (categories include structure and resource), health care professionals themselves "what do we need to know and do" (reservation), and barriers related to patients "not everybody would benefit" (internal and external shortcomings). CONCLUSIONS: Telemonitoring for HF patients has not been implemented in Japan or Sweden. However, health care professionals have expectations of telemonitoring to reduce patients' hospitalizations and increase patient self-care. There are still a wide range of barriers to the implementation of HF telemonitoring.

Quality of Life and Influential Factors in Patients Implanted With a Left Ventricular Assist Device.

BACKGROUND: Improving quality of life (QOL) has become an important goal in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. We aimed (1) to assess the effect of an implantable LVAD on patients' QOL, (2) to compare LVAD patients' QOL to that of patients in different stages of heart failure (HF), and (3) to identify factors associated with patients' QOL. METHODS AND RESULTS: The QOL of 33 Japanese implantable LVAD patients was assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and Short-form 8 (SF-8), before and at 3 and 6 months afterwards. After LVAD implantation, QOL significantly improved [MLHFQ, SF-8 physical component score (PCS), SF-8 mental component score (MCS), all P<0.05]. Implanted LVAD patients had a better QOL than extracorporeal LVAD patients (n=33, 32.1±21.9 vs. n=17, 47.6±18.2), and Stage D HF patients (n=32, 51.1±17.3), but the score was comparable to that of patients who had undergone a heart transplant (n=13). In multiple regression analyses, postoperative lower albumin concentration and right ventricular failure were independently associated with poorer PCS. Female sex and postoperative anxiety were 2 of the independent factors for poorer MCS (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Having an implantable LVAD improves patients' QOL, which is better than that of patients with an extracorporeal LVAD. Both clinical and psychological factors are influence QOL after LVAD implantation.