Toronto aortic stenosis quality of life questionnaire (TASQ): validation in TAVI patients

Abstract

Background Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common cardiac condition whose prevalence increases with age. The symptom burden associated with severe aortic stenosis (AS) can introduce significant lifestyle disruptions and if left untreated can lead to a poor prognosis. Quality of life (QoL) is an important consideration in these patients. The TASQ is a QoL tool that was developed for aortic stenosis patients. We evaluated the psychometric properties of this specific questionnaire in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which is a therapeutic option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods The properties of the TASQ in measuring QoL were evaluated in AS patients undergoing TAVI. Patients presenting for the TAVI procedure (N = 62) were evaluated pre-TAVI, at discharge, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. Demographic information as well as caregiver status, and daily activities were recorded. In addition to the TASQ, they completed the KCCQ (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and the IIRS (Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale). Results The TASQ is a 16-item self-administered questionnaire that assesses AS-specific QoL across five domains: physical symptoms; physical limitations; emotional impact; social limitations, and health expectations. TASQ subscales are internally consistent (α = 0.74–0.96) and showed significant improvements from baseline across assessments (p < 0.001). Construct validity evidence was demonstrated by correlations consistent with theoretically derived hypotheses across time points. Conclusions The TASQ is a brief measure of AS-specific QoL that is sensitive to change in patients undergoing TAVI. Items on the TASQ capture important QoL concerns reported by AS patients, suggesting this is a measure of relevant and meaningful outcomes for this patient population. Detection of early improvements in QoL by the TASQ is promising, with important implications for the evaluation of procedural outcomes in this population.

Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in a “Real World” Population: Insights From a Prospective Canadian Database

“…There is promising evidence of the availability of an instrument that addresses these limitations while strengthening the Canadian perspective on the assessment of QOL. 46 …”

Aortic valve replacement: validation of the Toronto Aortic Stenosis Quality of Life Questionnaire

“…The TASQ registry was a prospective observational registry with a follow‐up period of 3 months 5,6 . Patients with severe symptomatic AS were recruited from 10 centres in nine countries in Europe (Austria/Germany, 2 France, 2 Italy, 2 Spain, 2 and the UK 1 ) and one centre in Canada with the intention to have at least two sites for each language.…”

“…The TASQ registry was a prospective observational registry with a follow-up period of 3 months. 5,6 Patients with severe symptomatic AS were recruited from 10 centres in nine countries in Europe (Austria/Germany, 2 France, 2 Italy, 2 Spain, 2 and the UK 1 ) and one centre in Canada with the intention to have at least two sites for each language. Patients either underwent transfemoral (TF) TAVI using the balloon expandable SAPIEN 3 valve (Edwards Lifesciences) or SAVR using any commercially available surgical valve.…”

“…The scoring of the TASQ 6 is based on a consistent 7‐point scale for each of the 16 questions, covering response options from ‘not very much’ to ‘very much’. The TASQ consists of five domains: physical symptoms (Questions 1 and 14), physical limitations (Questions 3, 6, 7, and 15), emotional impact (Questions 2 and 8 to 13), social limitations (Questions 4 and 5), and health expectations (Question 16).…”

“…It is short, convenient to use and dedicated for patients with AS. It has been shown to provide an accurate picture of QoL in patients with severe AS before and after treatment 5,6 . Here, we present the results of the validation of the TASQ in patients undergoing treatment for severe AS, based on a prospective, multinational registry.…”