The Australian Vascular Quality of Life Index (AUSVIQUOL): an improved clinical quality of life tool for peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract

To validate the Australian Vascular Quality of Life Index (AUSVIQUOL) as a quality of life (QOL) tool appropriate for peripheral vascular disease patients in the clinical setting. Cross-sectional study. The study group consisted of 71 patients with vascular claudication of varying severity attending a tertiary hospital outpatient department. The results of the AUSVIQUOL and Medical Outcomes Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were compared through factor and regression analyses. A group of 12 patients was then reassessed to compare the reliability and internal consistency of the two indices. The AUSVIQUOL took less time to complete than the SF-36 (3.27 v 10.79 min; p<0.0001) and fewer patients found the questions confusing (2% v 26%). The AUSVIQUOL was easier to administer and had a higher level of patient acceptance than the SF-36. The regression analysis showed that for each of the domains in the AUSVIQUOL there was a significant correlation with measures in the SF-36 (adjusted R-squared 0.420, 0.480 and 0.331). The AUSVIQUOL demonstrated a good level of internal consistency when compared to the SF-36 (Cronbach's alpha 0.8702 vs 0.6307). In comparison with the SF-36, the AUSVIQUOL is an improved tool for the QOL assessment of patients with peripheral vascular disease in the clinical setting.