Health-related quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: where are we now?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize current knowledge of health-related quality of life (HRQL) assessment in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), with an emphasis on reviewing available data on HRQL instruments, operationalizing HRQL assessment in IPF research and interventions that show promise for improving HRQL in patients with IPF.

RECENT FINDINGS: Findings from several studies support the validity of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-item Questionnaire and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire for assessing HRQL in IPF. IPF-specific HRQL instruments are in development, but additional research is needed before their broad implementation. Pulmonary rehabilitation and IPF disease management programs appear to be promising interventions for improving HRQL in IPF patients.

SUMMARY: IPF is a devastating disease. Because there is no cure, an improved understanding of how this disease affects patients' lives is needed. Rigorously developed and carefully administered instruments are needed to assess those effects and to measure the impact of interventions aimed at improving the lives of patients with IPF.