[The QDF-HF (Quality of life, Depression and Cognitive Functioning in Heart Failure). The project and study protocol].

The QDF (Quality of life, Depression Cognitive Function) is a project by nursing personnel, as companion study of the GISSI-HF (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico- Heart Failure). The study aims at describing the evolution of the QDF variables in the patients randomised for the GISSI-HF; at evaluating the reliability of the assessments with standardised instruments (Kansas City Quality of life Questionnaire (KCQQ); Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) compared to the clinical judgement of the nurses; and at describing whether and how the assessment of QDF variables influences decision making and care for these patients (i.e. drug therapies, psychosocial interventions etc). The QDF data are collected at baseline and at 6 months and at 1, 2 and 3 years. The greatest majority of patients are expected to comply with the self administered questionnaires (KCQQ and QDF) while the MMSE will be proposed, via a didactical presentation, only to patients older than 70 years. A specific goal of the project focuses on the degree of independence between the results of the questionnaire and the judgement of nurses. Expected outcomes: epidemiology and distribution of QDF variables among patients of different age-groups and disease severity; description of the prevalence and incidence of severe problems. Up to 2000 patients are expected to be included in this prospective protocol which has already been activated in a network of more then 70 centres.