Assessment instruments for patients with advanced heart failure: a review of the literature

Abstract

            A quarter of the people with heart failure are at an advanced stage of the disease, during which they experience numerous common and distressing symptoms that have an impact on all spheres of their life. In this context, there is a need for frequent assessment and clinical monitoring of patients. The aim of this review is to identify the instruments used in assessing patients with advanced heart failure. For the purposes of this study, any type of questionnaire, scale or functional test used to assess some aspect of these patients was considered to be an instrument. Forty-nine tools were identified that make it possible to assess symptoms, psychological, cognitive and spiritual aspects and quality of life. The information provided on the most used instruments and their availability and applicability is a first step for their possible integration into daily clinical practice. Thus, professionals who work with these patients can improve the identification of specific needs, enabling their subsequent management and monitoring.