The impact of lower limb chronic venous disease on quality of life: patient and physician perspectives
Fabricio Santiago, Jorge H Ulloa, Catherine Régnier, Thibault Peudon, Emilie Braund, Claire Fradet-Aubignat, Sergio Gianesini
Abstract
Aim: This research compared patient and physician perceptions of quality of life (QoL) in C0–4 chronic venous disease (CVD). Methods: Qualitative standardized phone interviews were conducted with 100 patients and 60 specialists from Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy and Russia. Results: In addition to the impact of physical symptoms on QoL, patient interviews revealed a high aesthetic and emotional burden of C0–4 CVD that contributes to social isolation and affects relationships. Physicians were aware of the physical impact but underestimated the other implications of CVD on their patients' QoL. Conclusion: Healthcare professional awareness of the overall impact of CVD on QoL needs improvement. All aspects of QoL should be assessed in order to manage CVD effectively.