The Development of a Self-Reported Version of the Chronic Heart Questionnaire

PURPOSE: Health status is increasingly recognized as an important outcome for the management of chronic heart failure (CHF). The Chronic Heart Questionnaire (CHQ) is valid, reliable, and responsive but is interview led. The aim of this study was to develop a self-reported version (CHQ-SR) to aid practical application of the questionnaire. The validity, repeatability, and responsiveness were investigated. METHODS: Patients with CHF (n = 54) were recruited; 50 completed both CHQs-the self-reported (CHQ-SR) and the interview led (CHQ-IL)-within a 2-week period with the order of administration alternated. Patients (n = 43) completed the CHQ-SR twice within a 2-week period. Construct validity was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, and the responsiveness was assessed using a randomized controlled trial of exercise rehabilitation versus usual care. RESULTS: The CHQ-SR was comparable but not interchangeable with the CHQ-IL. There were no significant differences between the mean scores for each domain on 2 administrations of the CHQ-SR, except for a small improvement in the emotional function domain. There were moderate-to-high correlations between the domains of the CHQ-SR and relevant components of the SF-36. The CHQ-SR was as responsive as the CHQ-IL when applied to a randomized controlled trial of exercise rehabilitation versus usual care in patients with CHF. CONCLUSION: The CHQ-SR is comparable with the CHQ-IL and is repeatable. It has construct validity with other health status measures and is responsive. The advantage of not requiring interviewer time and associated cost provides for a practical administration of the questionnaire.